Cheerleaders Make a Splash with Car Wash to Benefit Animals

Wheaton Warrenville South High School cheerleaders partnered with Providence Bank on Community Day Saturday. The cheerleaders washed cars in front of the bank to raise money for their team, and the more they washed, the more they helped another group. The bank will match the total amount raised and donate it to the DuPage County Animal Care and Control Foundation.

“This is an annual event to benefit different groups in town,” said Mike Gresk, AVP of business development for Providence Bank. “The Wheaton Warrenville South cheerleaders are a great group,” he said.

“It’s nice to come out and do it for a nice cause. The girls feel like they are giving back to the community,” said Lynda Dome, who has been the fund-raising coordinator for the WWS cheerleaders for six years.

“They’re working hard and having fun,” said Coach Kristina Collsen. “They love doing it. They like the bonding experience and they like being out in the community,” she said of the mix of varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders at the event. “We are so appreciative of Providence Bank.”

Danni Gregory, a junior at South and a varsity cheerleader, was very pleased with how the day was going. “We’ve made over $400 so far,” she said just before the 1 p.m. end of the event. "This is a great fundraiser for us... This is our first one as a team this year, so we’re starting to get to know each other,” she said.

“It’s cold, but it’s been really fun,” said Paige Reinert, a freshman on the varsity team. “I am really excited for the rest of the year. It’s been great to get to know the other girls [at this event],” she said.

Along with the car wash, Community Day included a barbecue with food and refreshments and the opportunity to get documents shredded for free. And the last car the girls washed? Mr. Gresk’s.