“Homecoming is going to look different this year,” is how Chesterton Assistant Principal Kevin Zeck previewed a new approach of combining the homecoming spirit with the spirit of charity.

For this year, instead of the traditional float, the classes of 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and the CHS staff will individually sponsor a themed clubhouse with a decorative design to reflect a charity of their choice in hopes of raising a $1,000 or more for each. The houses will be the highlight of the 2012 CHS Homecoming Parade on Sept. 21.

The theme: “CHS Gives Back.”

Zeck spoke about the project to the Duneland School Board at their meeting Monday. The CHS Building Trades classes, he said, are constructing the five houses which will be showcased before the homecoming football game.

After the festivities, each house will be auctioned oneBay with all of the sale proceeds going directly to charity.

Zeck advises that the houses will not be shipped and would need to picked up at the school.

Funding for each house comes from a co-sponsorship between a class and a local business. Zeck said each build costs a few hundred dollars and the classes have accomplished fundraising activities such as T-shirt sales to make up their share of the building costs. The rest of the tab is picked up by the partnering business.

Zeck said the idea for the charity effort came about from a CHS teacher who attended a conference two years ago and heard different ideas of how schools could engage the community. She brought the idea to Zeck who decided to try it out this homecoming season.

• For the senior class, its charity of choice is the World Wildlife Fund. Its co-sponsor is Coldwell Banker – Tami Bianco. They call theirs the “Animal House.”

• The juniors’ “Pink House” clubhouse will raise benefits and awareness for the Coaches vs. Cancer group. Co-sponsoring is Larson Contracting Services.

• The sophomore class has the “Reef House” for the Reef Environmental Education Foundation charity. Co-sponsor is the Serenity Environmental Services.

• The freshmen along with their co-sponsor Anton Insurance will proudly present their “Patriot House.” The charity of choice is the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

• Last but not least the CHS staff is sponsoring the “Maroon & Gold House.” The staff is currently in the process of seeking a co-sponsor and a charity.

“It’s an exciting thing. It’s building a momentum,” Zeck said. “It’s about community and everyone is involved.”

Fliers on the clubhouses have been made up.

The homecoming playhouses may continue next year and would benefit charities closer to home. National charities were chosen for this year since they had more familiarity with potential buyers outside of Duneland, Zeck said.

Also, the homecoming dance will have a charity event for Riley’s Children Hospital. If CHS can raise one dollar per student enrolled in donations for the Indianapolis-based hospital, or about $2,000, it would achieve status as a “Miracle” school.

Posted 9/11/2012