Charity Bash is all about numbers; the bigger the better.  Since its introduction eight years ago, Charity Bash has raised a total of $233,982, smashing donation records almost every year. Student Council hopes to once again use creativity to turn the event buzz into bucks.

            The secret to bringing in the cash to benefit this year’s charity, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, is to offer events that generate excitement with students, according to Amie Hansen, junior and Student Council Vice-President. Past events included two teachers who shaved their heads, a 500-person human foosball game and the band, Iron Rose, who inspired over 500 students to stand and sing along. 

            This year’s Charity Bash kicked off, literally, with the Poms’ Kick-a-thon and raised $1,300.  Planning the event required the Poms’ squad to recruit willing and able faculty members to participate in the 100-kick challenge

            “We ask teachers we have right now or have had in the past to help out in raising the money,” Paige Leoni, junior and Poms member said. “We also ask them because the students enjoy watching them do 100 kicks!” 

            To raise money, Poms put collection jars in the classrooms of participating teachers.  As an extra incentive, the teacher who collects the most charity money receives doughnuts for their classes; this year Dawn Chorney, English teacher, received the sweet prize.

            The Kick-a-thon followed halftime at the LZ vs. Mundelein football game; the line of teachers and Poms members stretched in front of the home stands as fans cheered for each of the 100 kicks. Following the event, the Poms squad walked through the stands collecting even more donations.

            The next major fundraiser scheduled is the Interact Badminton Tournament. Behind the scenes club members are planning the details necessary to manage the Badminton matches for the maximum number of 120 two-person teams.

            “Preparing for the tournament is intense!” Tracy Kapraun, senior and Interact co-president, said. “There are a ton of copies of brackets and signs that need to be made and put up.  We need to make sure all the teams have paid and have a bracket, and since it is such a huge event we need to set up two gyms.”

            During the actual tournament, Interact members referee the games and others serve as runners who report back the scores. The scores then go in the huge bracket board, which is continually updated so all the players can see who is winning. 

            “Even though it is constant running around,” Kapraun said. “I think it’s as much fun running the event as it would be to play in it.”

            Another Charity Bash fundraiser that offers a unique experience is the Drama Club’s Coffee House. The event utilizes the skills of the Drama Club’s technical and lighting crew, who transform the drama room into a coffee house.  It is set up “as if you’re actually at a small coffee shop watching live performances,” Savannah Haeger, junior and Drama Club secretary, said.

            Student performances range from “acoustic to hysterical skits to equally funny rap battles” and all help bring in the money.  Teachers also are known to perform in the spirit of charity, which will hopefully boost Coffee House profits over the $850.00 mark according to Haeger.     

            Also hoping to cash in on students’ competitive spirit on behalf of this years’ charity is the PE Leadership class and their annual Dodgeball Tournament. The event now runs like a “well oiled machine,” according to Michelle Levin, teacher of the PE Leader program.

            “The [PE Leaders] take a couple of days in class to be clear on the rules of the game,” Levin, said. “The competitive level is high during the games and so we have to make sure all 300 students also understand the rules.”

            On the day of the tournament, dodgeballs, purchased when the fundraiser first began, are divided up for the games; six balls per game on three different courts.  Fifteen minutes before the start there is a captains’ meeting for the teams. The Junior PE Leaders officiate with one experienced Senior PE Leader on each court. Many coaches attend the games, which helps with the athletes, as well.

            Charity Bash 2010 hopes to significantly help in the fight for those with Cystic Fibrosis.  Events at the high school offer something for everyone, so grab your wallet and help smash some donation records this year.