Home
Loyola Academy Ramblers Help Neighbors Rebuild Their Home
A group of Loyola Academy students joined a team of Loyola alumni, parents and friends from Saints Faith, Hope and Charity parish in Winnetka for a service project that benefited Loyola’s own neighborhood.
“Loyola is committed to serving others, and being a good neighbor is an important part of this commitment,” says Executive Vice President Dennis R. Stonequist ’90 of Evanston. “When our alumni and parents reached out to us for a crew of students, we jumped at the chance to help out right in our own backyard.”
For the last 13 years, volunteers at Faith, Hope and Charity have organized service projects with Rebuilding Together, a national nonprofit organization that transforms the lives of low-income homeowners by improving the safety and health of their homes and revitalizing their communities. With over a decade of rebuilding projects to their name, which includes work for the Center on Deafness in Northbrook and Orchard Village in Skokie and Waukegan, the volunteers at Faith Hope have coined themselves the Faith, Hope and Carpenters.
Despite the chill in the air on the morning of Saturday, April 29, spirits were high as the Loyola group—led by project coordinators, Loyola Academy alumni James L. Brault ’79 and Robert E. Largay Jr. ’85 both of Wilmette, Loyola parent Don Trieschmann of Winnetka and Johan Sauer—gathered on the front lawn of the house to be repaired.
“We asked Loyola to participate because we are very familiar with its culture of service and because this project was so close to the school,” says Brault. “We know that Loyola seeks to be a good neighbor in the community, and this seemed to be a great fit all the way around.”
Together with the homeowner, Lulu, and her children, the group set to work on the home.
“One of the greatest parts of this project was the energy and enthusiasm of the Loyola Academy students,” Brault notes. “They helped us complete much of the ‘heavy lifting’ from cleaning out the basement to planting new bushes to hauling the repair debris to the dumpster. The homeowner was very appreciative of everyone's efforts and was thrilled to have the kids there as well.”
Loyola Academy student Ryen Delaney ’18 of Evanston helped Lulu sort and discard boxed items in the basement. “I was able to provide support as she parted with various items,” says the Loyola junior. “The before and after of the basement was pretty incredible, and it made me really proud of everyone who volunteered that day.”
“It was an entirely overwhelming experience for me and my family members,” says Lulu. “It was a wonderful thing to see youngsters having such a big heart to help. I think it demonstrates that they have a sense of responsibility and a good heart for humanity.”
“It was a great day,” Stonequist adds. “Lulu’s children were working hand-in-hand with our students cleaning, organizing and getting the chance to connect and make new friendships.”
“Being a longtime neighbor of Loyola Academy, I have such a privilege to receive help and this overwhelming experience from Loyola students,” says Lulu. “Words can’t express how much I feel grateful.”
To apply for assistance, visit https://rebuildingtogethernsc.org/apply or contact Sharon Riley, executive director of Rebuilding Together, North Suburban Chicago, at 847.778.7469. The Faith, Hope and Carpenters and a crew of Loyola’s Ramblers are standing by to help for next year’s project.
Loyola Academy
1100 Laramie Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091-1089 | 847-256-1100
Loyola Academy admits students of any race, color and national origin or ethnic origin.
© Copyright 2020 Loyola Academy