Eagle Scout Project Brings Community Together for Night of Fun

Tinley Park, IL: The community came together to throw a Mardi Gras party for St. Coletta’s of Illinois participants on Saturday, February 22, 2020, thanks to Boy Scout Nick Cunico of Tinley Park, Illinois. For his Eagle Scout project, he wanted to do something fun as well as meaningful to help individuals with disabilities. With over 30 volunteers that included friends and family, local businesses, and church organizations, Nick provided more than just a party.

Choosing St. Coletta’s for his project was simple. “I chose St. Coletta’s because I think it’s wonderful to help individuals who have disabilities,” said Cunico. “I feel a closeness with the participants and wanted to do something special to help them.”

The adults served by St. Coletta’s enjoyed a wonderful evening filled with music, dancing, and fun while gaining a new friendship with Cunico and his family and friends. “I loved taking my picture in the photo booth!” one participant exclaimed, while another loved the food. All the participants enjoyed music and dancing. “It was such a fun party,” stated a St. Coletta’s Group Home Manager. “Nick did a wonderful job organizing everything, and the participants all had a blast.”

To ensure a successful party, Cunico worked with the community asking for donations and volunteer help. Salina’s Pizza and Pasta, Durbins, Village Pizza, Ed & Joe’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, and Lou Malnati’s all donated pizza and food for the event. Zion Lutheran Church provided the event space, Marco Nieto provided his DJ services. To cover the additional costs for decorations, photo booth, and dessert, Cunico appealed for donations at St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr after Mass and raised $1,211.

In addition to planning a Mardi Gras party, Cunico also coordinated a donation drive at three local churches, St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr, Zion Lutheran Church, and Saint Elizabeth Seton. Cunico and his dad made donation boxes to leave at each church to collect much-needed items such as hygiene products, food, clothing, school supplies, and art supplies for the residential participants and programs at St. Coletta’s.

Cunico is grateful for all of the wonderful volunteers that helped him plan and execute his project. “Without them, we wouldn’t have had such a wonderful party.” Cunico and St. Coletta’s would also like to thank all of the generous donors who made this event possible.

This was Cunico’s final project to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Next, he will present his project to the Eagle Board of Review. Once the board approves, it will be sent to the National Scout Headquarters to be processed, and Cunico will be an official Eagle Scout.

St. Coletta’s mission is to serve children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential within society. Founded in 1949 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, who continue to sponsor us, St. Coletta’s provides a life-long continuum of care beginning in early childhood. Our residential, educational, and vocational training programs provides services for individuals that enhances their independence and well-being. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call (708) 342-5200 or visit www.stcolettail.org.