INGLESIDE, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A grassroots fundraising effort may be just what it takes to keep a northwest suburban Catholic school alive.
A former student at St. Bede School in Ingleside started a GoFundMe account last month after learning the Archdiocese of Chicago was considering shutting down the school.
Susan Lutzke, who is a high school student now, said she wouldn’t be who she is without St. Bede, so she started the fundraiser and has raised more than the $400,000 goal. That still doesn’t mean Cardinal Blase Cupich won’t decide not to close the school, but it’s one factor that could help keep the school open.
"Our hearts are full, and we struggle to find the words to properly convey our gratitude," Lutzke wrote in an update on the GoFundMe page.
"33 days ago, we were completely overwhelmed with the daunting task of raising such a huge sum of money in such a short period of time, especially over the holidays. However, we were bound and determined to give it our all."
Lutzke said this isn’t the first time the 65- year-old school has needed saving, but it will be the last without a miracle.
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