Cross Countries is a student-led service group. It was established in 2004. Each member has a strong desire to make the world a better place in ways that go beyond helping their local community. The club has raised over $225,000 to help fund mission trips overseas for compassionate students. All of the money collected has contributed to the construction of rural hospitals in both Kenya and Bolivia. Cross Countries is attempting to raise $30,000 over the next 10 months in order to return to Bolivia and continue work on Bethel Hospital. This facility is the only Level I Trauma Center in the rural highlands. Thanks to the efforts of past groups, the hospital is now over 75% complete.
The 2019 Cross Countries group consists of eight students who endeavor to help the less fortunate whenever and wherever they can. This school year they will embark on an ambitious fundraising and awareness campaign. Their first fundraiser will be “Bowling for Bolivia” 2018. A candlelight bowl taking place on Friday, October 5 from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Arena Lanes of Oak Lawn (4700 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, Illinois). The evening will consist of dinner followed by a short program, bowling, raffles, and plenty of fun! Other events will be scheduled through May of 2019. Simultaneously, the group hopes to raise awareness about the need for aid in Bolivia through social media and their donation website.
To get more information about “Cross Countries”, or to make an online donation, please visit the websites listed above. To hear more about the Cross Countries story, please contact Chris Repa. Donations can also be made by check, payable to “Cross Countries”, and sent to Chris Repa at Oak Lawn Community High School, 9400 Southwest Highway, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453. The student members of the 2019 group are: Senior William Dorian, Senior Robby Metke, Senior Jake Labuda, Senior Logan Kunst, Senior George Sievers, Senior Jonathan Godinez, Senior Michael Majcherek, and Junior Thomas Karountzos.