Chesterton High School has welcomed its newest club to the already extensive gallery of extracurricular programs: Philanthropy Club. Founded by sophomore Lana Glazer, Philanthropy Club encourages, supports, and endorses student-led acts of volunteerism in a limitless variety of ways. Since its establishment in the fall of 2024, the club has built itself up to thirty members and hosted multiple fundraisers already with the ultimate goal of donating all proceeds to notable causes in the area. With the addition of Philanthropy Club at CHS, there is now an outlet for students who want and are willing to try to do good in the community.
This student-led program is sponsored by CHS teacher Mr. Schultz, but the idea for a philanthropic and limitless volunteer organization was pitched by Lana Glazer, a tenth grade student who wished for more accessible volunteering opportunities in her high school. Apart from president Lana Glazer, the club also consists of Vice President Mackenzie Kogl and Treasurer Maddy Ryan, along with nearly thirty other like-minded members who are working towards their shared goal. The club has already hosted a bake sale to start raising money, as well as a few other fundraising events around the school and community. The main fundraiser this year will be a Dance Marathon, the earnings of which will go to this year’s dedicated beneficiary: Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Lurie Children’s Hospital, located in Chicago, is the number one hospital in the nation for pediatric care, research, and medical innovations. It specializes in the acute treatment of minors with serious conditions, treating Level 1 trauma. These types of places benefit heavily from donations that fund the sciences and practices that save children every day. In appreciation of these practices, Glazer founded her club with the intention of raising money for this essential establishment in the city of Chicago.
“My sister went to Lurie Children’s Hospital in 2020 to get chemo, and so I wanted to do something to give back,” says Glazer on the motivation behind the club.
Glazer’s younger sister battled cancer five years ago and received lifesaving treatment from Lurie Children’s Hospital that led to her full recovery. After watching her sister reap the blessings of the world-renowned doctors and nurses, Glazer wanted to organize something so both her and her community could repay the favor that saved her sister. Now, CHS has Philanthropy Club, and the group is constantly coming up with and pursuing new volunteer opportunities that only have the capability to produce positive results. Between the good nature of the club members and the heartfelt sentiment behind its creation, Philanthropy Club has and will only continue to increase in popularity around the school.
Luckily, despite all the current members, there is still so much room for more volunteers. The more, the merrier! Philanthropy Club is running a recruitment campaign that will last indefinitely, and all existing members are encouraged to spread the word and bring their friends to the volunteer capital of CHS. Thanks to philanthropists Zoe Komp and Charlotte Kirk, all things Philanthropy Club can be found on their Instagram page: @philanthropy.chs. All are welcome and encouraged to check out Philanthropy Club and remember their presence whenever they see an opportunity for good.
