Raffle items were donated from a 25-year collection of collectibles by Barbara Dunlavy and her sister Mary, both of Chicago, who are sisters to Sister Maristella Dunlavy, OP, former principal of Cathedral School. The sisters wanted to make a donation to Darfur and thought that a raffle would be a good way to raise a sizeable gift for Catholic Relief Services programs in Darfur.

CRS assists with the basic needs of the people and works aggressively to support development programs that combat social injustice and promote human dignity in the country of Darfur.

The 60 prizes included Disney and Charlie Brown originals, watches, teddy bears, cat/kitten pictures, and various other items. The teddy bear collection included bears of various sizes from Switzerland, England and Italy. The pictures of cats and kittens became part of a basket/wagon arrangements of animals.

The raffle was hosted by St. Agnes School but each school had an opportunity to “house” some of the raffle items in their building for a period of time. On the raffle drawing day, Dec. 4, each school brought a group of students to participate and assist with the drawing. Two winners were drawn from each group of raffle tickets sold so that each school was assured of winning two baskets before all the raffle tickets were combined for the larger prizes. The top baskets were valued over $400.

“A special thank you to all of the students, parents and parishioners who supported this joint effort for the mission of Darfur,” said Sister Joan Sorge, OP, principal of St. Agnes School. “The Catholic school students and families of Springfield stand in solidarity with the people of Darfur and offer with the financial assistance the gift of prayers for peace.”