Online fundraiser to benefit students

Elyria Catholic High School will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a One Day Online Giving Event on Aug. 29, where it will accept donations to assist the 2018-19 Operations Fund.

Anyone can donate funds online to help kick start the annual fund, said Annie Cunningham, the school’s director of communications and marketing.

This newest fundraiser will take place on the same day students return to school.

The online event will occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through the school’s website or by phone.

Staffers hope to reach their goal of $7,000, Cunningham said.

The funds will contribute to the school’s overall goal of $100,000 raised for the year.

The Elyria Catholic community and other donors are welcome to access any updated information, photos and videos of the celebration throughout the day on the school’s Facebook page.

Cunningham said some students and staff have been getting ready for the event and encouraged guests to look online for photos they’re planning to share.

“This is going to be an awesome day where the community can watch videos of our students and staff during the celebration of Elyria Catholic’s 70th anniversary,” she said.

Amy Butler, president of Elyria Catholic, said staff wanted to do something special for the anniversary and believe the online fundraiser is a great way to celebrate.

The school also holds an annual Giving Tuesday online event after Thanksgiving to help raise funds for the Operations Fund.

Butler said she wants to start a new tradition to have one held on the first day of school every year to get the community and students more interested about the academic year.

Sharing the event with others will help increase engagement from not only current students, but alumni and others in the community, she said.

“We want to connect people with what’s going on here every day,” Butler said. “If they decide to make a financial contribution, they can see what their contribution is going toward online. This keeps them connected and lets them know their interest is benefiting the kids.”

She added that staff is there for the students to do what they can to give them an excellent education.

“(Elyria Catholic) is here to stay,” Butler said. “Our founders 70 years ago had a vision, and we’re just here to (continue to) build the vision.”

To donate to the One Day Online Giving Event, visit elyriacatholic.com/givingday or call 440-365-1821

For hourly updates, watch the Facebook page at facebook.com/ECHSPanthers.