Santa Claus was able to help raise money and awareness to keep a Catholic school on Chicago's Far South Side open for another year.
St. Florian Catholic School in the Hegewisch neighborhood met its fundraising goal of $50,000 after Chicago police sergeant and St. Florian parent Jesse Terrazas dressed up as Santa Claus and camped out on the school's rooftop for 10 consecutive days.
Terrazas began his campout on Dec. 7, and as of Dec. 17 the school had raised $55,000. When they surpassed their fundraising goal, Santa finally came down from the rooftop.
The school, located at 13110 S. Baltimore Ave., was one of six the Chicago Archdiocese slated for closure earlier this year. St. Florian got a reprieve after the community raised more than $100,000 in one month. This was the second year the school was threatened with closure.
St. Florian was able to reach its fundraising goal with the help of a generous donation from the Big Shoulders Fund, an organization that provides support to Catholic schools in the neediest areas of Chicago.
School officials say another philanthropist has planned to give a substantial donation, which will be presented at at the school's Christmas caroling celebration on Tuesday. Santa will return to the caroling event and lead the St. Florian family and community in singing and rejoicing, according to the school.
For more information about Santa's mission to save St. Florian and to donate to the cause, visit the school's Go Fund Me page.
