Mount Carmel is joining the fight against domestic violence by partnering with the South Side charitable organization, A New Direction (AND). AND is a subsidiary of Wings which creates initiatives as a way to raise awareness about domestic violence.
On Oct. 25, students were encouraged to donate two dollars in order to receive a purple wristband from AND. Proceeds from MC’s partnership charity will be given to AND. During the varsity game against Loyola, more initiatives will be taken to raise domestic violence awareness. Advertisements will be shown on the Caravan Broadcasting Network, an information table will be opened on Champions Way, and Mr. Noel Bax will host an apple fritter review on the fifty-yard line in order to raise support.
“I think it’s more than we’ve done before in recent history in student council,” said senior and president of Student Council, Christos Dimas. “We’re usually limited to school spirit events, and pep rallies, but I think this is kind of stepping out of our normal realm, and being able to help out others in a big way.”
Dimas had the idea to raise support for domestic violence awareness, and to bring it to fruition, he reached out to his aunt, Ms. Ericka Swanson, who is the Manager of Admin and Development for AND.
“I was like, hey, this would be a great opportunity for your organization to have a lot of exposure,” Christos said. “There’s going to be two, three thousand people who may not have heard about your organization that will get exposure to it, and may look into it.”
When Ms. Swanson first heard of Christos’ idea, she was ecstatic.
“He and [MC senior] Leonard [Siegal] were chosen to write their speeches for the fundraiser we held last year,” Ms. Swanson said. “And so when Christos told me, I felt like he really got it. Like all the experiences that he talked about really sunk in.”
On gameday, Ms. Swanson manned the information table. Additionally, Ms. Swanson will join with Mr. Bax during his apple fritter review in order to gain more exposure for AND.
“Every mention of our names is exposure to the project,” Ms. Swanson said. “It’s about so much more than the financial support we are going to get out of this project. It’s about letting people know who we are, and that we exist in what we do.”
Ms. Eleanore Menke, moderator of the Caravan Media Group, also had a large part in helping set up MC’s partnership charity with AND. She oversaw the creation of the advertisement by Siegal, and announcements by Dimas and senior Matt Malloy.
“They’ve done great work,” Ms. Menke said. “For something like this to happen organically with our students, as opposed to us saying ‘I think you should pursue this’ is really what Mount Carmel is all about.”
Student council moderator Mr. Brooks Nevrly is in favor of Dimas’ idea because it exemplifies Caravan values.
“Respecting all and domestic violence go hand in hand,” Mr. Nevrly said. “If you’re going to promote the well being of other people, you have to respect them in terms of not only where they have come from, but championing the fact that they could be vulnerable.”
Christos agrees, believing that MC’s partnership with AND showcases Caravan values in another unique way.
“Going to Mount Carmel, there is a huge emphasis on Carmelite values, charity is one of those,” Christos said. “I think it’s giving back and being involved in the community, it’s a connection we have that’s kind of been established as a partner, and it benefits both sides of the party.”
By passing out purple bracelets, offering resources at an information desk, live streaming a new apple fritter review, and more, MC joins the fight against domestic violence.
“I’m really proud of this group of young men,” Ms. Swanson said. “I’m proud to collaborate, to partner with Mount Carmel.”
