"I teach Spanish and coach volleyball and bowling at a wonderful, large urban high school. It is a fabulous school full of bright, inquisitive minds and stellar athletes. Unfortunately, the school also faces great needs. In today's economic climate extra-curricular activities are on the chopping b...
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MORE
"I teach Spanish and coach volleyball and bowling at a wonderful, large urban high school. It is a fabulous school full of bright, inquisitive minds and stellar athletes. Unfortunately, the school also faces great needs. In today's economic climate extra-curricular activities are on the chopping block. Soon there will be no clubs and extremely limited athletic programs. Something must be done! My team has had the same uniforms for eight years. This will be our ninth year using them. We take good care of them and will use them for a few more years. We do not ask for things we do not need. In the ten years I have coached, we have never had warm-up suits. We really need them. It makes everything much easier. We could change for games in our home locker rooms and arrive prepared to play. This may not seem like a big issue, but urban schools do not always have adequate locker room space. A safe, clean space to dress is essential. Having uniform warm-up suits would also build team morale and school pride.
There are many attendance problems in our area, as there are everywhere. Students face gangs, drugs, hunger and many other issues on a daily basis. However, they choose to succeed. They come to school everyday and do well despite the challenges they face. They join teams and clubs and look forward to the future. They work hard to better themselves. Their parents work hard to provide for them. School pride is extremely important to academic success. Students who take pride in their school do better. Students who participate in sports and other extra-curricular activities also do better. Participating on a team prepares you for the future. The game and practice schedule can be very demanding; yet you must maintain good grades. As a part of a team you learn to manage your time and get your work done. Most high school athletes continue their studies and an elite few may even get scholarships. All receive a valuable lesson in time management and an increased sense of belonging and higher self esteem! My team needs uniform warm-up suits. They need to feel school pride. Urban students face many challenges: gangs, drug abuse, violence, poverty. Yet my athletes continue to succeed. They come to school everyday and do well. They practice hard and forgo the little things a part time job could provide them. Their parents work hard to provide for them and cannot afford to pay exorbitant fees for extra-curricular activities. Our student-athletes want to become teachers, police officers, doctors, nurses, accountants, engineers and lawyers. Please help me to show them that they matter and that their volleyball team matters. Boosting team spirit and morale will increase their academic success. Students with strong ties to their schools succeed. Please help my girls succeed both on the court and in the classroom so that they may realize their goal of attending a four year university.
My students need warm-up suits for volleyball games.
HIDE
Dec 17, 2009
Dear MARK, Nicole, Susanne, Mick, Jay Mulberry, Julie, joan, leslie, Judy, Elaine, recko, Helen & Miguel, Justin, Marquita, Kate, charmaine, kelly, Dan, anthony, Franshika, mary, Jack, Laura, Nichole, Dawn, Brigitte , Christopher, Bill, Catherine, june, Debbie, Joan, Amy, Tom, Nidal, Rebecca, Valerie, Brian Butler, MAGGIE, sue, Debi, Jennifer, Jacque, Megan, Jill, hannah & robert, Anne Ward, Olaiya, K.Dollinger, Patrick, Steve, JLH, Chris & Gabby, Cassie, Denise, Coolmath Karen and Coolmath.com, Lindsey, sean, cassie, FB SDFL, Tenisha, Al, Robert, Diane and Anonymous Donors,
Wow, the generosity that so very many of you have bestowed on me and my students is amazing. I look at this very long list of donors and am really overwhelmed. Some of you are old and dear childhood friends, some new friends, some former students, some relatives, and some total strangers. You all have one thing in common! You made our day. The student-athletes and I are so thankful for your donation. We really need the warm-up suits, thank you. Volleyball is so much fun for the girls and I. We have been doing really well. Thanks to Donors Choose we have been able to get the things that we need. I hope you all realize how important your donation is. In today's economy extra-curricular activities are on the chopping block. Thanks to you our volleyball team is well-equipped. Thank you so much! With gratitude,
Ms. M.
Ms. M. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Nov 25, 2009
Dear MARK, Nicole, Susanne, Mick, Jay Mulberry, Julie, joan, leslie, Judy, Elaine, recko, Helen & Miguel, Justin, Marquita, Kate, charmaine, kelly, Dan, anthony, Franshika, mary, Jack, Laura, Nichole, Dawn, Brigitte , Christopher, Bill, Catherine, june, Debbie, Joan, Amy, Tom, Nidal, Rebecca, Valerie, Brian Butler, MAGGIE, sue, Debi, Jennifer, Jacque, Megan, Jill, hannah & robert, Anne Ward, Olaiya, K.Dollinger, Patrick, Steve, JLH, Chris & Gabby, Cassie, Denise, Coolmath Karen and Coolmath.com, Lindsey, sean, cassie, FB SDFL, Tenisha, Al, Robert, Diane and Anonymous Donors,
I am so happy to have such generous friends and to have had the good fortune of receiving donations from strangers. It is very heartwarming! I cannot begin to express my gratitude. Extra-curricular activities are an important part of high school. They are actually the only part, that 27 years later, I still remember as if they were yesterday. I want to thank you for helping to make these kinds of memory-making experiences possible for the young women that I coach. They too are very grateful! Playing sports builds character, increases responsibility and improves academic performance. Your contribution of warm-ups will enhance our program. It will most definitely boost morale! Thank you. Believe me, if allowed, the girls would wear their new warm-ups every day. You cannot hide our high school's pride! With gratitude,
Ms. M.
Photos coming soon!
Region:
Illinois (Chicago)
Where is the classroom located? 
Submitted:
Aug 20, 2009
| Expires:
Jan 26, 2010
Additional Details
Level:
Grades 9-12
School type:
Magnet
Teacher's funded projects:
36
Thank-you punctuality:
83%
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Ellen C. (associate)
on Aug 24, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
Ellen C. (associate)
on Aug 24, 2009
"I gave to this project because I felt that the teacher's proposal was very compelling. It is obvious that she is dedicated to improving all aspects of her students' lives!"
A donor
gave
in support of Illinois
on Sep 11, 2009
"Dear Donor: Thank you so much for your generous donation. We really need these warm-up suits. Thank you so much! The girls will really appreciate it."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Sep 12, 2009
A donor
gave
in honor of FB SDFL
in support of Illinois
on Sep 13, 2009
"Thank you so mcuh! Your generosity is very much appreciated! The young ladies will be so excited to learn that we are closer to our goal."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Sep 13, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Sports education."
A donor
gave
on Sep 28, 2009
"Thank you! Your generosity is so appreciated. We just need a few more donations."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Sep 28, 2009
"I gave to this project because it's a worthy cause with a great teacher."
"Dear Tom, Thank you so much for your generosity. I really appreciate as do the young ladies on my team.
CM"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 5, 2009
"Thank you very much! You have peeked my curiosity, what is Tomato Nation? We really appreciate (and need) your kindness, thank you!"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 6, 2009
"Tom, had no idea it was you, until I just read Tom from VA.! I thought it was a friend from Chicago, who I see all the time. Thank you so much!!!! I really appreciate it!
CM"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 10, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
"Mark, Thank you so much! I really apprecaite your donation. We are getting closer, and it is really exciting. The young ladies and I appreciate your generosity. Thank you!!"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 12, 2009
"Thank all of you!! I am so excited and thankful for your generosity!"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 12, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Sports education."
"I feel children who are strivng to succeed in sports and life deserve a helping hand. The teacher's story was very moving and inspirational."
"I gave to this project because these kids are giving their all----we'd like to support them."
"Dear Debbie and Joan,
Thank you so much for your generous donation. I really appreciate it, and so will the young ladies on my team. We are very reliant on the generosity of others.
Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 18, 2009
"Leslie, Thank you so much. The young ladies and I really appreciate it. Every donation brings us closer to our goal, thank you for your generosity!
Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 19, 2009
"I gave to this project because I played volleyball at this school and wanted to help."
A donor
gave
on Oct 21, 2009
"Thank you so much. I appreciate your donation. It is so nice to receive donations from former players. Thank you again for your generosity. The ladies and I are thankful!"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 21, 2009
"-I gave to this project because Ms M is one of the most loyal people I know and is truly committed to her students and their needs"
june
from New Jersey
gave
on Oct 24, 2009
"Sports keep children focused and involved and part of something they can be proud of. New uniforms will build their pride and self-esteem. Wish I could give even more, please keep asking!"
Catherine
from New Jersey
gave
on Oct 24, 2009
"Dear June and Catherine, Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I am so excited. The girls will be too. We are almost there!
Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 24, 2009
"I gave to this project because Ms. M is an old friend and a great teacher. If warm-up suits will inspire her team and inspire her girls, I'm ready to help."
sue
from Pennsylvania
gave
on Oct 24, 2009
"Sue, thank you so much! I really appreciate it. The girls really will be thrilled.
Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 24, 2009
"I gave to this project because...
of Cassie, who puts her efforts in all the right places. She works hard for little pay and hopefully great reward."
Bill
from Elmhurst, IL
gave
on Oct 24, 2009
"I gave to this project because...Ms. M is a very dedicated teacher and a very good friend of mine."
joan
from edina, MN
gave
on Oct 24, 2009
"Joan, Thank you so much!I really appreciate it. The girls will too.
Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 24, 2009
"Bill thank you so much! It is such a tremendous help to us. We will reach our goal very quickly thanks to the generosity of all of you! I am so fortunate to have such generous old friends. Thank you.
CM"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 24, 2009
"I gave to this project because I wanted to help my daughter's students."
Marjory
from Ridgewood, NJ
gave
in honor of cassie
on Oct 24, 2009
" I wanted to support my daughter's efforts."
Marjory
from Ridgewood, NJ
gave
in honor of cassie
on Oct 24, 2009
Marjory
from Ridgewood, NJ
gave
in honor of cassie
on Oct 24, 2009
" I wanted to support my sister and her team!."
Marjory
from Ridgewood, NJ
gave
in honor of cassie
on Oct 24, 2009
"Thank you family!"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 24, 2009
"I gave to this project because Cassie is a good, old friend and is doing great things!"
Christopher
from Texas
gave
on Oct 24, 2009
"Chris, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. We get closer to our goal with every donation. Thank you again. The girls will be so excited!"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 24, 2009
"I gave to this project because of Cassie Mazziota's dedication to her students and her ongoing efforts to increase awareness regarding the needs of today's youth."
Brigitte
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 24, 2009
MAGGIE
from
gave
on Oct 25, 2009
"Maggie, thank you so much! We really appreciate it and need it! Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 25, 2009
"I gave to this project because casie was a great camp person always very giving of her time and was nice to everyone :) "
Dawn
from Delran, NJ
gave
on Oct 25, 2009
"I gave to this project because I coach a high school dance team, and I LIVE for school SPIRIT! Srta. M is the bomb! Buena suerte! Go Cougars!"
Nichole
from Skokie, IL
gave
on Oct 25, 2009
"Gracias Nichole! We are getting closer and closer to our goal! Te agradezco mucho."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 25, 2009
"Dawn, I just read that. Thank you so much! I really appreviate your donation and loved camp. Thank you!!!! That was so kind"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 25, 2009
"I cannot thank you all enough. Your generosity is overwhelming."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 25, 2009
"I gave to this project because I wanted to support this teacher support her students and their team."
A donor
gave
on Oct 26, 2009
"I gave to this project because...I have know Cassie Mazziotta since we were in grade school. She is a compassionate and giving person. I want her student atheletes to be rewarded for their success on the court and to know that others care about them."
Julie
from Haddonfield, NJ
gave
on Oct 26, 2009
"I gave to this project because these students would not otherwise have the supplies and equipment they need to participate in volleyball which I find very unfortunate. "
Laura
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 26, 2009
"Dear Julie and Laura, Thank you very much for your donations. Each donation brings us closer to our goal. The young ladies and I are very thankful!
CM"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 26, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
Denise
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 26, 2009
"I gave to this project because I have witnessed Ms. Mazz's dedication to the athletes and students of Crane High School for many years. She often makes personal sacrifices in order for her players to benefit from participating in high school sports programs. Keep up the important work, Ms. Mazziotta! Go Cougars!"
Megan
from Pennsylvania
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"Megan, Thank you so much! I really appreciate your donation. We are getting closer to our goal of fifty donors! Thank you for your donation and your kind words."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 27, 2009
Jack
from New Jersey
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"Jack!!!! Thank you so much. We are so close to our goal of fifty donors and to our goal of having proper warm-ups! Thank you, the ladies and I are in your debt!"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 27, 2009
"I helped because i am inspired by my students and the generosity of my old and dear friends!."
A donor
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"I cannot thank you all enough! My team will be thrilled. I really appreciate your generosity and value your friendship! Going to school with needs so great that they can never be met is a tremendous challenge. My students face this challenge each and every day and succeed! Their success is do in part to your generosity. Thank you."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 27, 2009
"We gave to this project because Cassie is fantastic and really believes in her kids!"
Chris & Gabby
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"I am giving in honor of the people who helped me when I was a teacher.
Good Luck!"
Jay Mulberry
from Chicago, IL
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"I gave to this project because Cassie is a wonderful teacher and role model for her students."
mary
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
Franshika
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"I gave to this project because its for the kids and they need support."
JLH
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
Nidal
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
Brian Butler
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
Steve
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
Al
from Woburn, MA
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
Valerie
from Maryland
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
Judy
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
anthony
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
Dan
from Chicago, IL
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"Anthony and Dan, Thank you so much for your kindness. Your donation is greatly appreciated.
Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 27, 2009
"I gave to this project because I know Cassie is a great teacher!"
kelly
from New York
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"Kelly, Thank you so much! I appreciate your support!
Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 27, 2009
"I gave to this project because I too am a coach in Chicago's inner city and understand and fully support this cause. It is very important for young women to have a positive self image and to have moral support."
Tenisha
from Chicago, IL
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"T- Thank you so much! We appreciate it.
Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 27, 2009
"I caanot thank all of you enough for your generosity. My team really appreciates it. They are wonderful young ladies making all the right choices. Thank you for caring about them."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 27, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Sports education."
Patrick
from
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"Patrick and all the donors who gsve this afternoon. Thank you! I really appreciate it.
Cassie"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 27, 2009
"Wonderful project. Thank you for doing what you do. Bet Red with TomatoNation!"
"Charmaine, thank you so much! The young ladies and i really appreciate your generosity.
Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 28, 2009
K.Dollinger
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 28, 2009
A donor
gave
on Oct 28, 2009
A donor
gave
on Oct 28, 2009
A donor
gave
on Oct 28, 2009
A donor
gave
on Oct 28, 2009
A donor
gave
on Oct 28, 2009
"Thank you! Thank you all so much for your generosity. It is so generous of you. We really need these warm-ups. The young ladies and I are really grateful."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 28, 2009
"Bet Red! Tomato Nation '09 Challenge"
"What is Bet Red Tomato Nation? Thank you so very much!!! My team and I apprecaite it."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 28, 2009
"Ms. M, check out www.tomatonation.com"
charmaine
from NORWAY, WA
on Oct 29, 2009
"Thanks Cjharmaine. I went to the sight, butI still don't really get it. Thank You so much for your generosity."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 29, 2009
"I gave to this project because I felt that the teacher's proposal was very compelling. It is obvious that she is dedicated to improving all aspects of her students' lives!"
A donor
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
"I gave to this project because I am very impressed by the dedication that this teacher has to improving the lives of her students through extracurricular activities. I admire her devotion to expanding the amount of positive experiences in their lives!"
Jennifer
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
"I gave to this project because Ms. M is so dedicated to helping her students and I believe in the cause."
Susanne
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
A donor
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
"I gave to this project because it the right thing to do"
Olaiya
from New York
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
Marquita
from Detroit, MI
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
"In honor of Robinson sports!"
"I gave to this project because Cassie is a great teacher and therefore I'm certain she has great students who deserve the best. PLAY ON!"
Jacque
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
"Dear Donors, thank you all so very mcuh. It is so kind of you to support us. Sports may seem like "extras", but they are an integral part of a high school. They build pride and discipline as well as heighten self-esteem. Thank you so much! Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 29, 2009
"Tomato Nation: a blog particularly fantastic at motivating people to donate monies to DonorsChoose in the month of October. This year readers (and friends) of the blog are on track to gift $300K to DC. The motivation? Well, helping all sorts of teachers and all sorts of kids... but really, we also enjoy a fantastic stunt by Sars which for the last three years has involved tourism in a tomato suit (first Rockefeller Center, second Washington DC, third Atlantic City). Reading the comments on the blogs motivates all sorts of people to fish for spare change in the couch, bust open the piggy bank, and propose crazy matches all to fund more projects to help more kids and fantastic teachers like yourself Ms M :) Bet red!"
Helen & Miguel
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
"Lindsey, Thank you for your donation and your explanation. I am not very technology-savvy. Definitely not a blogger. It is all very interesting to me, thank you. Thank you too for your support.
Helen and Miguel, Thank you so much. I am fairly confident I will reach my goal. Thank you!
Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 29, 2009
"I give to help Cassie and her team get their warm - up suits."
mary
from Illinois
gave
in support of Illinois Giving Page
on Oct 29, 2009
"Mary,
Thank you. I really appreciate your donation. The girls on the team will too. Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 29, 2009
"Thank you so much! We are so grateful.
Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 29, 2009
"I gave to this project because Cassie is an inspiration to her students and colleagues. "
Anne Ward
from Chicago, IL
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
"I gave to this project because...I know Miss M will put the items to good use."
hannah & robert
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
"Anne and Hannah, Thank you!
I have almost reached my goal. The team will be so happy.
Miss M"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 29, 2009
"I gave to this project because...I know Miss M will put the items to good use."
hannah & robert
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
"I gave to this project because I played volleyball for Miss M and wanted to help."
Robert
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
A donor
gave
on Oct 30, 2009
"Participating in team sports was an important and happy part of my educational experience. Good luck to your students!"
"Rob, Robert and Jennifer, Thank you. Jennifer, I could not agree with you more. High school was a long time ago for me, yet I remember my experiences as part of a team as if it were yesterday. Thank you for helping me give my team the opportunities that I had."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 30, 2009
"I gave because you rock, Cassie! My first counselor continuing to help kids - awesome."
Rebecca
from District of Columbia
gave
on Oct 30, 2009
"I gave to this project because, despite seriously embarrassing myself in junior high volleyball, I still believe in the potential for teams and physical activity to make a big difference in kids' lives!"
A donor
gave
on Oct 30, 2009
A donor
gave
on Oct 30, 2009
"What a great project. Bet Red with TomatoNation!"
"I gave to this project because you asked!"
Mick
from New Jersey
gave
on Oct 30, 2009
"Thank you all so very much!!! I appreciate your generosity so much. This is overwhelming and thrilling! Thank you."
The teacher Ms. M.
on Oct 30, 2009
"Thank you all so much!"
The teacher Ms. M.
on Nov 9, 2009
Chris
gave
on Nov 25, 2009
Coolmath Karen and Coolmath.com
from Costa Mesa, CA
gave
on Nov 25, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news
on Nov 25, 2009
The teacher Ms. M.
on Nov 25, 2009
Purchased the supplies for Ms. M.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Ellen C. (associate)
on Nov 30, 2009
The teacher Ms. M.
on Dec 17, 2009
"SADLY, "MS. M" SUDDNELY PASSED AWAY ON JANUARY 12, 2010. SHE STILL HAS SOME OPEN PROJECTS. PLEASE PLESE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE FUND HER PROJECTS!!!!"
Nichole
from Skokie, IL
on Jan 21, 2010
"SADLY, "MS. M" SUDDNELY PASSED AWAY ON JANUARY 12, 2010. SHE STILL HAS SOME OPEN PROJECTS. PLEASE PLESE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE FUND HER PROJECTS!!!!""
Nichole
from Skokie, IL
on Jan 21, 2010
""SADLY, "MS. M" SUDDNELY PASSED AWAY ON JANUARY 12, 2010. SHE STILL HAS SOME OPEN PROJECTS. PLEASE PLESE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE FUND HER PROJECTS!!!!"""
Nichole
from Skokie, IL
on Jan 21, 2010
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