By Jennifer Westerholt:
I met Anna Klapakis and Louis Walton at Sweetness 7 Café on Tuesday and learned a thing or two about community giving for a worthwhile cause. She was identifiable immediately, in a denim shirt bearing the phrase "Stand for Children" and he was all smiles, politely ordering a cup of coffee.
Louis is a 21-year-old developmentally disabled senior at Bennett High School, and Anna is his unrelenting champion of a teacher.
"Louis has been Bennett's collective son for the last six years," she said. "He just brings joy to your heart."
A few months ago Anna, having developed a relationship with the Walton family, wanted to help ensure that Louis have a regular senior year, like the other students.
"I had gotten to know the family and knew that they struggled," she said.
Mrs. Walton has multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair, after having a leg amputated, and sister Julia is working hard to make ends meet.
"I grew up in Harlem, so I know what life is like for these kids," she said.
So, the charismatic classroom teacher sent out what she called an "innocent email," appealing to Bennett faculty and staff to donate to her number 1 cause: Louis.
"Within 48 hours everything was taken care of- his prom ticket, suits, dances," she explained. "People couldn't wait to help Louis. Who couldn't love him?" she asked hugging him.
Bennett teacher Colleen Farry Chase agreed, saying, "In many ways he has taught other students more about character than they could ever learn in a classroom. He is always willing to help out in anyway he can and repeatedly proves how 'able' he truly is."
So, Klapakis sent out another email, this time asking for something more. And once again the Bennett community happily answered.
The result is an all day renovation on the family's dilapidated East side home, inspired by the success and outpouring of local support of ABC's Extreme Home Makeover trip to the Queen City, slated to take place on Saturday June 12th and has come to be called LOUISVILLE.
While the faculty and staff at Bennett High School have selflessly committed to helping one of their own, organizers desperately need the Buffalo community to lend its hands. Volunteers with construction knowledge and experience, architects, interior designers, painters, cleaners and monetary donations are all necessary.
Chase, who is acting as treasurer for the project, said, "Any effort that we can put forth to help Louis' family will be a small token for all of the inspiration that he has brought to us. I just hope that we can come though for them in a big way."
In addition, Klapakis and the rest of the Bennett High School community have scheduled a fundraiser/rummage sale on Saturday June 5th, from noon to 6pm, at Elmwood Presbyterian Church, at Lafayette Avenue.
"When you are in a position to help," Klapakis added, "you want to help."
For more information, volunteers and/or donors are encouraged to watch the LOUISVILLE video here and are welcome to contact Anna Klapakis at aklapakis@buffaloschools.org.
View image
I met Anna Klapakis and Louis Walton at Sweetness 7 Café on Tuesday and learned a thing or two about community giving for a worthwhile cause. She was identifiable immediately, in a denim shirt bearing the phrase "Stand for Children" and he was all smiles, politely ordering a cup of coffee.
Louis is a 21-year-old developmentally disabled senior at Bennett High School, and Anna is his unrelenting champion of a teacher.
"Louis has been Bennett's collective son for the last six years," she said. "He just brings joy to your heart."
A few months ago Anna, having developed a relationship with the Walton family, wanted to help ensure that Louis have a regular senior year, like the other students.
"I had gotten to know the family and knew that they struggled," she said.
Mrs. Walton has multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair, after having a leg amputated, and sister Julia is working hard to make ends meet.
"I grew up in Harlem, so I know what life is like for these kids," she said.
So, the charismatic classroom teacher sent out what she called an "innocent email," appealing to Bennett faculty and staff to donate to her number 1 cause: Louis.
"Within 48 hours everything was taken care of- his prom ticket, suits, dances," she explained. "People couldn't wait to help Louis. Who couldn't love him?" she asked hugging him.
Bennett teacher Colleen Farry Chase agreed, saying, "In many ways he has taught other students more about character than they could ever learn in a classroom. He is always willing to help out in anyway he can and repeatedly proves how 'able' he truly is."
So, Klapakis sent out another email, this time asking for something more. And once again the Bennett community happily answered.
The result is an all day renovation on the family's dilapidated East side home, inspired by the success and outpouring of local support of ABC's Extreme Home Makeover trip to the Queen City, slated to take place on Saturday June 12th and has come to be called LOUISVILLE.
While the faculty and staff at Bennett High School have selflessly committed to helping one of their own, organizers desperately need the Buffalo community to lend its hands. Volunteers with construction knowledge and experience, architects, interior designers, painters, cleaners and monetary donations are all necessary.
Chase, who is acting as treasurer for the project, said, "Any effort that we can put forth to help Louis' family will be a small token for all of the inspiration that he has brought to us. I just hope that we can come though for them in a big way."
In addition, Klapakis and the rest of the Bennett High School community have scheduled a fundraiser/rummage sale on Saturday June 5th, from noon to 6pm, at Elmwood Presbyterian Church, at Lafayette Avenue.
"When you are in a position to help," Klapakis added, "you want to help."
For more information, volunteers and/or donors are encouraged to watch the LOUISVILLE video here and are welcome to contact Anna Klapakis at aklapakis@buffaloschools.org.
What a moving story and video, Jenny - you know you can count on The Good Neighborhood to help!