ISU Student Honors Sandy Hook with Spaghetti Dinner.
By: Andrew Barra WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: January 6, 2013
MORTON - People in Morton were taking time to honor the victims of the Sandy Hook massacre Sunday
It all stems from one Illinois State University student.
When Zach Johnson first found out about the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary - he knew he wanted to help.
"I had seen a bunch of people on Facebook who wanted to help out," said Johnson. "People sort of talking and saying they wanted to help out, and I thought, ' Why not take it to the next level?'"
So he and a group of friends decided to put on a spaghetti dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Morton.
Johnson said, "(There's) spaghetti, salad, garlic bread. There's also a bake sale and a big raffle with a big gift basket that local businesses have donated."
However, the money he raises isn't going to Newtown.
Right now, the Connecticut town is so overrun with donations... it's turning money away.
"We had planned on the money going to the United Way fund, but that fund raised four million dollars, which is great," Johnson said. "Newtown came out and said 'Hey. We're overwhelmed with gifts. Instead of donating to us, why not do something for your community?'"
So Johnson is doing that instead.
"Half of the money is going to a children's area that's going to be a part of the new downtown plaza in Morton," he said. "The other half is going to the Crittenton Centers."
When Johnson was planning the benefit - he had no idea how many people to expect.
But a steady stream of people has left him in awe about the heart of his community.
He said, " I'm just overwhelmed with all the people coming and saying nice things. I think it says a lot about the capacity for being sympathetic for humans and I think it is great to expand on that and that everyone is looking to help out."
Johnson hopes to raise three thousand dollars.
He also wants to make the benefit an annual event.
It all stems from one Illinois State University student.
When Zach Johnson first found out about the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary - he knew he wanted to help.
"I had seen a bunch of people on Facebook who wanted to help out," said Johnson. "People sort of talking and saying they wanted to help out, and I thought, ' Why not take it to the next level?'"
So he and a group of friends decided to put on a spaghetti dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Morton.
Johnson said, "(There's) spaghetti, salad, garlic bread. There's also a bake sale and a big raffle with a big gift basket that local businesses have donated."
However, the money he raises isn't going to Newtown.
Right now, the Connecticut town is so overrun with donations... it's turning money away.
"We had planned on the money going to the United Way fund, but that fund raised four million dollars, which is great," Johnson said. "Newtown came out and said 'Hey. We're overwhelmed with gifts. Instead of donating to us, why not do something for your community?'"
So Johnson is doing that instead.
"Half of the money is going to a children's area that's going to be a part of the new downtown plaza in Morton," he said. "The other half is going to the Crittenton Centers."
When Johnson was planning the benefit - he had no idea how many people to expect.
But a steady stream of people has left him in awe about the heart of his community.
He said, " I'm just overwhelmed with all the people coming and saying nice things. I think it says a lot about the capacity for being sympathetic for humans and I think it is great to expand on that and that everyone is looking to help out."
Johnson hopes to raise three thousand dollars.
He also wants to make the benefit an annual event.
Comments
It's sad to see these negative comments about someone doing charity work. It seems as if some people are forgetting that although it wasn't to the hook family's like Zach seemingly hoped for he was still able to give the money to a great cause and keep the Hook family's memories strong.
Kris K.
January 7, 2013 at 2:04 pm
It's sad to see these negative comments about someone doing charity work. It seems as if some people are forgetting that although it wasn't to the hook family's like Zach seemingly hoped for he was still able to give the money was going to a good cause
Kris K.
January 7, 2013 at 2:03 pm
What Zach did was raise money for local children. I'm sure plenty of other organized benefits have already donated to the Sandy Hook families (stated in the above review). So, the smart thing he did was donate for a childrens play area where local children can be safe and a tragedy like this does not happen in our home town. It's commendable, not "bs" and not "un flipping believable".
Chris B.
January 7, 2013 at 1:18 pm
this is complete bs as the fund should only be forwarded to the families of this horrific tragedy. how is this in any ones mind "the right thing to do" ? whoever is responsible for this should be sought out for prosecution of theft of fund raised relief monies. i would think a college would have the will to help those who need help but then this is Peoria Illinois. UN FLIPPING BELIEVABLE!!!!!!
Christopher K.
January 6, 2013 at 10:34 pm
