Earlier this summer, 263 extremely motivated Westwood Students and Staff from Chicago’s Loop campus took part in Jelly Belly Candy Days, an annual fundraising event for Misericordia. The charity is dedicated to helping children and adults who suffer from profound developmental disabilities. With the help of Westwood’s own, the event was able to raise over 1 million dollars! Thanks to the Criminal Justice Club at the Chicago Loop campus, this event has become a yearly charitable tradition.
Westwood volunteers got up early, suited up in red and white vests and dispersed across State Street near Chicago’s Loops Campus. Throughout the day they took donations and handed out Misericordia “thank you” cards and complimentary bags of Jelly Belly’s.
Carl Cooper, former Captain of the Larimer County Sheriff's Office and Program Chair for the Criminal Justice program and Michael Gray, former President of the Criminal Justice Club and Westwood Graduate, helped organize the fundraiser. “This event continues to be very rewarding spiritually for me,” said Gray. “With the help of the Criminal Justice Club and other Staff and Faculty, we made it (reaching the 1 million dollar mark) happen!”
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| From L to R: Michael Gray, Carl Cooper |
Gray added that he was proud of the group effort from the entire Westwood Community. “What made it so special this year for me was being able to spearhead the challenge to break the Million Dollars, and WE did it!” he said. “This was a tremendous accomplishment and team effort from Westwood College.”
The Chicago Loop campus was given special recognition at a banquet and awards dinner hosted by the Misercordia Foundation. Cooper and Gray were honored for their outstanding contributions and efforts to the cause.
Jelly Belly Candy Days will take place once a year at the end of April and without a doubt, has become a Westwood Loop Campus tradition. Congratulations Chicago loop on a huge success!
To get involved in next year’s event, contact : Michael Gray at (312) 845–1660 or
mgray@westwood.edu.
About Misericordia: The Mission of Misericordia/Heart of Mercy is to support individuals with developmental disabilities in maximizing their level of independence and self-determination within an environment that fosters spirituality, dignity, respect and enhancement of quality of life. We promote development of natural family and community support, community awareness, education and advocacy. For more information visit: http://www.misericordia.com.