Willowbrook raises more than $60,000 for the American Cancer Society

Willowbrook and Addison Trail recently showed giving back is a cornerstone of District 88 pride.

On March 14, nearly 400 District 88 students, staff and community members filled the field house at Willowbrook to raise money for the American Cancer Society during the Relay For Life of District 88 All Youth. Participants enjoyed dancing, games, a moon jump and more. Willowbrook senior Lianne Abellar, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer at 4 years old, began the event by sharing her story of overcoming cancer. There also was a luminaria to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer. The event raised about $53,000 for the American Cancer Society. 

Willowbrook also has hosted other events throughout the year to raise money for the American Cancer Society, including “Go Pink” events for breast cancer awareness, Facial Hair February and the Brook Olympics.

Throughout the month of October, Willowbrook hosted a variety of events to raise money for breast cancer awareness and research in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The school hosted a Volley for the Cure volleyball game against Addison Trail; sold “pink” ribbons, scarves and T-shirts; offered a “Dress Down Day,” where staff members could donate money to wear casual clothing; and decorated the halls and the football stadium in pink. Through those efforts, Willowbrook raised about $2,500.

This year, more than 20 male faculty and staff members participated in Facial Hair February, where they gave up shaving for the month of February to raise money. Participants collected donations from friends, family members, students and colleagues. A bracket was used for students to determine the winners of Facial Hair February. This year’s winner is Ryan Bazon. Christopher Carr finished in 2nd place, and Matt Scott finished in 3rd place. Facial Hair February raised about $2,500.

The Brook Olympics is a weeklong series of events and challenges created to help initiate tradition and a sense of class spirit and pride at Willowbrook. That event culminates with an assembly, which took place on March 13 this year. During the assembly, classes go head to head in competitions to earn points, with the hope of their class being named the champion. The seniors were named as this year’s winning class. Juniors finished in 2nd place, freshmen finished in 3rd place and sophomores finished in 4th place. The Brook Olympics raised about $3,000.