Gillis | for children and families since 1870

Gillis Stories - Students Renovate Gillis Residence Halls

David Belpedio and Carter Clause are outstanding students at Rockhurst High School. David is on the Dean’s list and received Magis First Honors. Carter has earned a spot on the Honor Roll at Rockhurst in each of his first three semesters. They are both accomplished pianists and have each won numerous awards. Music brought them together. They are also both involved in athletics.

On top of all of that, David and Carter are the catalysts for the total renovation of the South and West residential cottages at Gillis. As part of their community service hours at Rockhurst High School, they volunteered at Gillis, working with the residential students. One day they looked around and realized that the common areas were not what they, as “typical” teenagers, would like to look at every day. So, they undertook the cottage renovation project.

They prepared a notebook of what the facility and furniture looked like. They put on their business suits took the book and went to visit about 25 local companies. Their first donation was a check for $10,000. Their initial success fueled their confidence. By the time they were done with their personal pitches, almost every one of the donors David and Carter visited contributed. Other big givers heard about the dedicated young fundraisers and their project and donated, as well, even without a personal presentation.

They also held a parking lot party at Culver’s on State Line and invited all of their family, friends, classmates and Gillis supporters. This effort helped them meet their original financial goal of $70,000.

To date David and Carter have raised more than $108,000 and the cottage renovations are complete. The walls will have been painted, new tiles laid, new ceilings installed, and new furniture purchased.

David and Carter have made an impact on the 38 boys in residence. And their achievements will impact many more residents for years to come.

Stories

Derik came to Gillis because he was having difficulty at his home school. He didn’t want to listen to anyone and didn’t want to play with the other kids; sometimes he would hit and kick. He was sent to the Principal’s office several times a week and his mom was called to pick him up from school often. He was diagnosed with a mood disorder. Gillis was recommended as a school which could help Derrick.

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Gillis is part of Cornerstones of Care, a partnership of agencies providing therapeutic treatment services for children and families.