Story posted Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Hoffman Rallies Around Worthy Cause
By MAUREEN PEKOSH | Contributing Columnist
Sometimes the difference between an idea and an action can seem to be like a gaping hole that will never be filled. This may be because while an idea may form in one person's head, it is often impossible for one person to carry out an idea single-handedly, no matter how good the idea is. But once a team of people start looking at the idea, tossing around possibilities, suggesting alternatives, offering advice and support, the idea slowly becomes more – an accomplishment.
Many diligent workers who have been recently forced to face unemployment have found how beneficial it is to establish a network of people to aid them in their search. They have talked to previous co-workers, friends, neighbors, school alumni, friends of friends, anyone who might have an idea, a connection, or a lead on possible new employment. They have invested a lot of time and energy in strengthening various personal connections because people working together can make things happen.
The power of shared talents transfers to other levels of day to day life. A school in Glenview is starting a fundraiser from the ground up. It began as an idea – can we get the community involved in raising funds and awareness for diabetes? There were some discussions and a few meetings with some back and forth exchange of suggestions. The result - the first annual Dodgeball for Diabetes was born.
On Saturday, Mar. 20, over 220 Hoffman School students are actually looking forward to coming to school on a Saturday. That is because they can't wait to join their friends and play in this inaugural dodgeball tournament. They know it will be fun. They have heard there will be good food to eat. They have heard that the winning teams in each age bracket will get a trophy. They get exercise, some friendly competition, some taste bud tempting treats, and fun. They will take home happy memories, some literature highlighting diabetes facts and statistics, and a good feeling because they helped raise awareness and funds to cure diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association sponsors numerous School Walks for Diabetes. They work with schools to incorporate a walk into PE. They supplement the walk with a video where Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears quarterback, discusses living with diabetes. The video highlights for students the wisdom of making healthy choices regarding eating and exercise. Students help raise money and awareness about diabetes while earning their school new PE equipment.
Mark Walther, principal at Hoffman, has long been a supporter of diabetes. He didn't want another activity to somehow fit into the already overcrowded school day. He didn't want another request for funding that might get lost with all the other requests this tough economic time has brought. He wanted an event that the local community could get excited about. He was willing to open the school and bring in kitchen staff on a Saturday. He is also willing to give up his own Saturday for a good cause.
Patrick Hoeft is one of the PE teachers at Hoffman. Along with two students currently in attendance, he lives with Type 1 Diabetes 24/7. He was willing to investigate which of the many variations of the game would be best suited for quick games with younger players. He got 12 new dodgeballs, five rolls of tape for lines, and four new jerseys donated by contacting US Games. He got contributions of the many little things necessary to feed hundreds of hungry kids like plates and napkins. He convinced numerous teachers to come to school on their day off to help make sure that everyone is in the right place at the right time and having a good time. He helped organize teams and get the kids excited about signing up and playing. It is because of his diligence and excitement that forty percent of the school will come together on a Saturday and try something new. Together these two men took an idea and made it an item on hundreds of local calendars.
As always, there are the volunteer moms, the women who don't necessarily have the time but always seem to sometimes find the time. They got donations from local vendors who are helping attract people and raise money. They approached local stores and restaurants, never an easy task. Michael Salerno's, Trader Joe's, and Sunset Foods put their sense of community before their bottom line and contributed generously to the cause. These moms will be there on Saturday to check teams in, help with food, crowd control, and do whatever is needed. As always, they will be the glue that holds the event together. They do it not for any thanks or recognition. They know that their help is needed and appreciated. They know how invaluable it is to help make a difference.
There will also be part district employees and high school students who will volunteer as referees. They will learn the specific rules of play and will ensure that everyone plays by the rules. They too are donating their valuable time because they were asked and they can. Without this can-do attitude there would be no fundraiser. Without can-do attitudes, there will never be a cure for diabetes.
Children learn by example. On Mar. 20, hundreds of children at Hoffman School will learn a little about the game of dodgeball and a little about diabetes. They will learn a lot about the meaning of community, about seeing the Character Counts pillars discussed so often put into action, and about the importance of giving. They will witness how one small idea can make a difference when an entire community gets behind it. They will learn how a school can teach about more than reading and math. They will better understand how a school can be a place where responsible decision makers lead by example and people help empower each other by sharing their thoughts, time and talents.
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