Mar. 6, 2019. Maine West Fun Fair Benefits Patrick Lives On
Patrick Boswell would have been in his senior year at Maine West High School this year. But the 14-year-old’s life was cut short by gunfire during a random act of street violence over four years ago.
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Patrick Boswell would have been in his senior year at Maine West High School this year.
But the 14-year-old’s life was cut short by gunfire during a random act of street violence over four years ago.
His mother, Patricia Frontain, founded “Patrick Lives On” in an effort to end gun violence. The organization looks to receive a major boost this year as the focus of Maine West’s annual school-wide fundraising effort.
One part of that fundraising effort, the annual Fun Fair, is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9, in the school’s Spectator Gym. The event is hosted by Maine West and the Des Plaines Youth Commission and attracts hundreds of residents.
According to John Aldworth, assistant principal for students, numerous school clubs organize carnival-style activities that attract families of elementary school-aged children.
Here’s what’s planned:
Child Care Club will provide children with a fishing rod to hook a fish in order to win a prize.
Varsity Club will set up two lanes for bowling and putting.
Friends Connect will sell snacks and drinks.
The Class of 2019 is hosting a jug knock down.
Playstations and Xbox will be set up and projected against a wall or the bleachers by the Video Game Club.
A football toss will be led by Warrior Pride.
A 16-ft. putting green will be set up by NAHS/Art Club.
National Honor Society will encourage kids to shoot a basketball.
Sack races will be run by Pi Sigma Pi.
Children can try to win a fish by throwing a ping pong ball in a jar.
In the concession area, the Class of 2020 will sell sno-cones.
Children will decorate cookies thanks to the FCCLA Culinary Club.
Ring and can toss will be hosted by the Hispanic Club.
The Class of 2022 will keep kids busy with a bag toss and Bozo buckets.
Two face painters and two balloon artists will also help make the event a special day.
On Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, Boswell was on his way to play basketball at a local gym. While passing through an apartment complex in Rosemont, there was an argument between two rival gang members. Shots were fired and Patrick was struck while trying to run home.
Through Patrick Lives On, a financial assistance program was established to keep youths in the Chicago area active in positive activities and to keep them away from gangs through after-school programs and camps.
Des Plaines Youth Commission members focus on protection of children from exposure to harmful influences and conditions, and develop plans to help prevent delinquency.
Other fundraising events for Patrick Lives On include:
March 15 – Spring Dance Off
March 22 – Spring Philanthropy Assembly
April 6 – Daddy Daughter Dance
April 12 – WestStock III – Durty Nellie’s
May 11 – Senior BBQ
Another fundraiser on March 9 will be held at Resolution Studios, 2226 W. Walnut, Chicago. The 3d Annual Film Showcase & Fundraiser will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. There is a fee. This is a chance to network with film industry professionals and view screen inspirational and anti-violence themed short films by independent Chicago filmmakers. For more information, visit www.patrickliveson.org.
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