First Annual Providence Academy Sleep Out A Chilly Success

 (December 7th, 2007) –The First Annual Providence Academy Sleep Out was held Friday December 7^th, 2007.  On a chilly night when temperatures dipped below freezing, fifty or so Providence Academy students and staff braved the bitter cold in an effort to raise funds for Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners.  Founded in 1979, IOCP serves low-income families and individuals in the Minneapolis suburbs of Plymouth, Wayzata, Orono, Minnetonka Beach, Long Lake, Medicine Lake, Medina and Hamel, Minnesota.

 Brian Trexel, the Academy’s Director of Campus Ministries, in conjunction with Providence parent, Jack Stewart, and Headmaster, Dr. Todd R. Flanders, brought the idea of participating in IOCPs Sleep Out 2007 to the students.  A group of enthusiastic and service oriented 8^th graders took on coordination of the event. “I was thrilled to see the response of our 8^th grade class in leading this charitable endeavor,” said Flanders, “The kids clearly had a good time mixed with serious intentions as to the needs of others.  I was impressed with how the students used this as a true learning opportunity.”  The 8^th grade leadership team, which emerged this year, will continue to develop and host the event through their graduation in 2012.

 Bob Fischer, of IOCP, founded The Sleep Out 12 years ago.  Now, acting as the main advocate for The Sleep Out, Bob travels to participating locations, like Providence Academy, building enthusiasm for the cause of suburban homelessness and educating participants. In recounting the event Maddie Mithun, an 8^th grader from Deephaven said, “Bob Fischer and LaDonna Hoy from IOCP talked to us about the many families that go to IOCP for help with affordable housing, jobs and rent.  It was important to hear from them.  It made me feel grateful and helped me realize how much we really can do to help.”

 Activities taking place during The Sleep Out included the set up of outdoor tents, group discussion, prayer, dinner and a screening of The Land of 10,000 Homeless.  The event was designed to allow students a chance for reflection and to help them develop an understanding of homelessness in their communities.  When asked how the event affected him, Providence student Sean Mostrom of Wayzata stated, “It was really cold so I was going to sleep inside, but when I saw the video on homelessness I decided to sleep outside.  The movie was really helpful.”

 Additional campus events took place in connection with Friday’s Sleep Out.  The evening included the Providence Academy tree lighting ceremony.  Friends of the school and many neighbors in the Plymouth area enjoy the large lit tree prominently displayed each Christmas.  A worship service officiated by Father Jacek Buda directly followed the tree lighting and was attended by more than 150 guests.  “I went for the worship service,” said Melanie Pulles, a Providence student from Plymouth, “I thought that it was really nice.  The whole event was great in terms of raising awareness amongst not only the students in our community, but the adults as well.”

 As Saturday morning came, and students moved indoors to warm up, excitement traveled through the group as they realized how much they had accomplished.  “I thought it was really cool that we were able to raise that amount of money,” said Mithun, “We really can make a difference if we try.”  In total, the event raised approximately $12,000 for Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners.  “It was really the kids,” said Trexel, “They took this on and did it all themselves.”

Photo Caption: A group of Providence Academy students gathered following a presentation by Bob Fisher and LaDonna Hoy of Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners.

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