Our classmate, Melvin (Rommie) Taylor provided the following statement:

Hello everyone, 

The ETHS Faithful are needing Everyone to support this worthy fund raiser. In his message below, Chris Livatino, our AD, has asked us to support this needed activity for our Evanston’s youth. My goal is to raise $25,000 or more from this message. Please join me in giving to this very worthy and promising endeavor. Also , please share this information with other ETHS supporters. 

Thanks in advance for your help and support. 

Please inform me of your contribution. I will ensure you not only get your tax write off but also recognition !

Best Regards,

Rommie Taylor HOF Captain 

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Message from Chris Livatino:

Wildkit Faithful,

It’s been a tough month in Evanston. 5 teenagers shot and one killed. Sharp increase in COVID cases. Loss of parents for our staff and students. Lockdown. Adaptive Pause. Holidays looming for the most vulnerable.

I know I write too much so I’ll just get to the point. Last year, we created Equity & Empowerment for Evanston Families which launched Camp Kuumba in the summer for 30 young Black men in 3rd-8th grade (check out the daily agenda and read the camper surveys). We then partnered with Northwestern University to host a 5-part seminar on healthy masculinity for the same campers this fall. We saw many of our campers improve academically and even join their schools’ student councils.  We’ve also seen some of them begin to slip through the cracks. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO DO TO SERVE them and the many more children and families in our community:

• We want to provide academic tutoring. 
• We want to keep our children actively engaged in activities and explorations that help them find their passion and purpose in life.
• We want to help them improve their relationships, teach them financial literacy and better understand their emotions. 
• We want to revamp how our youth are introduced to sports so that ALL of our children have access to ALL sports before it’s too late, too expensive and too white.
• We want to provide 365-day “neighborly contact” with families to help them access clothing, food, mental health supports, fun family experiences and provide basic guidance on navigating the schools and city of Evanston. 
• We want to provide “organic mentorships” that connect them with people who hold common interests and will teach, guide and care for them as they transition into adulthood.
• We want to partner with businesses that can provide apprenticeships and jobs as our children get older. 
• We want our children to learn to give back and pay it forward through community service. 
• WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO HAVE THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORTS AS EVERY OTHER CHILD IN EVANSTON.

In order to do that, we need volunteers who care and want to serve. 

If you’re interested in learning about how you can serve the children and families in our community with your time, love and wisdom, please complete this FORM by Monday, December 27. If your time is limited and you would like to make a donation instead, please do so HERE. If you cannot do either of those two things, PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY WHO CARE ABOUT EVANSTON.

I wish you peace, joy and fulfillment as we head into the New Year!!! Thank you for reading and…

Go KITS!!!

We will Fight for You!

Chris Livatino

Athletic Director

Evanston Township High School

THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS WERE MOVED FROM THE MESSAGE FORUM.

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Kathy Dalgety (Miehls)

Rommie,

I agree with your push to support this worthy program. I sent Chris Livatino $100 last week as a donation, otherwise I'd send you the donation. Whatever, it's all for a good cause!

Kathy Miehls

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Sherwin "Jay" Siegall

Rommie:

 Thanks for what you do for our great community. Haven't lived there since 69 but always a proud Evanstonian from grade school, boy scouts, camp Wabaningo and an ETHS Wildkit, and so so lucky to have had the experience to grow up in Evanston. From integrated little league thru having Mrs Morton for 2 years Language Arts and Social Studies at Nichols and all ETHS experiences! BTW Mrs Morton probably the greatest influencer on my young misbehaved/beligerent juvenile, life is always my answer to security questions for Favorite Techer!

 Hope you make your 25K. I've just done 200! Hope 2022 is a great year for all your work!

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Melvin "Rommie" Taylor

  Hello Susan Spiegel and Elaine Borland Purnell, 

Thanks for sending your feedback about trying to make a donation. I will make Chris Livatino aware of the fact that the system is not as friendly as needed. However, the work around is to mail a check to Chris. That's what I did today. I do all my business on my phone ; it is not as friendly as a computer . Please make your donations to E.E.E.F . 
to : Chris Livatino 
      3536 Hillside Road
      Evanston,Illinois 60201

Everyone's donations are greatly appreciated and valued. Many of us have been very blessed to have made it this far from high school. Most of us have achieved 75 years of success,endurance and strength. In golfing terms we are on the back 9 holes and will be in the clubhouse soon. I hope you share the great fortune of leaving a testimony which started at ETHS with all our classmates rich or poor Black or White but all able to make a contribution big or small. If we can get a large number of our classmates to join in , we can say our class of 1964, "walks the walk and talks the talk!" The class of 64 is a GREAT CLASS! Both of you are an awesome example of giving back. I hope we can share in a celebration after we hit our goal of $25,000. We can and will make it happen !
God Bless both of you for stepping forward to support the ETHS TEAM support E.E.E.F. Thanks in advance for your help and support.

Go Wildkits,
Rommie HOF Honorary Captain

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Melvin "Rommie" Taylor

Dear Jay,

Thanks for you gift to support the E.E.E.F. As you know , I love ETHS and all of our 64' classmates. When we hit our goal we will celebrate as a class! We will have all the leaders in our class to participate. I hope you can help have other classmates join us in moving this ball forward ( No Pun intended) . In high school I did not know my friend Russ Roberts. However , the past two years we have become close friends. We were both in South Hall and didn't sit too far from each other but we didn't cross paths.Russ has so much to offer as a friend. He is very analytical,knowledgeable, logical and smart. I hope I can continue to develop and grow friendships with our classmates  of 64' doing this project. We have a great start; as we go into the new year. I hope  you have a wonderful 2022 !

May God continue to bless you and your family .

Go Wildkits,

Rommie HOF Honorary Captain 

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Terry Levine (Rose)

I did not have any problems donating.  Happy to support!

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Alison Van Swearingen (Brown)

Hey Rommie,  I sat next to you for four years in South Hall and I was always glad to see you at the reunions our class has had.  I wish you all the best in your efforts for the fund raising campaign.  ETHS was indeed an experience the class of '64 had that has kept most of us in touch over time.

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Marty (Martin C. ) Campbell

i just successfully filed my FORM and my donation ("HERE") from the letter Rommie provided 9 frames above.

i'm on Firefox browser, too, Art. … — maybe it's fixed arready? 

How bout you other successful electronic donors?  Jay?  Terry?  what browsers did you successfully use?

my receipts for both, form & donation, came to me immediately by e-mail.

in solidarity.  any means necessary.  bless us each.  now & forever more.  Wo-oh-oh-oh … Yeeh!

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William Wanlund

Form had no trouble taking my donation via Chrome.  Thanks, Rommie, for making this opportunity available to us.

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Melvin "Rommie" Taylor

Bill, 

Thanks for your donation. It is greatly appreciated and valued. As you know, you will receive a tax deduction from this 501c . The Evanston youth needs STEM programs to help them grow and develop. Your gift is greatly needed and will be used very strategically administered.  To date the organization has raised $12,000 and  I don't have what our classmates have donated yet. I will keep you posted. Thanks again.

Warm Regards,

Rommie HOF Honorary Captain 

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Stephen Gerth

I was able to successfully donate online, but forgot which browser I used. it was either Firefox or Edge. Immediately after completing the donation I received a confirmation tax exempt letter in my email. Glad to help out.

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Christine Vasar

Making my donation using Chrome was a snap.. 

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Marilyn Golan (Bogan)

I made a donation and got an immediate response.  Rommie, you probably don't know me, but when you see a donation from Marilyn Golan Bogan, you will know that I was responding as a member of ETHS 1964.  Such an important program.

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Susan Spiegel (Pastin)

BINGO!  I was able to donate (upped it to $75) without a hitch this time on my laptop using Firefox browser.  Sounds like an EXCELLENT cause!

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Jean Rappaport (Stoll)

Hi Rommie--Another person from South Hall here (I remember you, but you won't remember me), always glad to find another worthy cause to conttribute to, so I just did, on Firefox, and it went right through.  Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

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Melvin "Rommie" Taylor

To all the 1964 classmates: 

Once again I thank you for all the wonderful support that has been given to Equity and Empowerment for Evanston Families (E.E.E.F.) our class is stepping up to raise the bar very high. All my South Hall folks have really been supportive !  This reminds me of  FIELD DAY. We all had a great time competing, playing, running but most of all PUSH BALL on the football field. We had a great time with South Hall competed against West Hall . North Hall competition verse East Hall. We had great times back then now 60 years later in the back 9 of our lives we are happy to join up to donate Time and Money to help our Evanston Black and Brown youth. Let me say a special  thanks to Fred our website master . He not only encouraged me to post this information and opportunity on our website but he was one of the first to make a donation!  Thank you Fred . Also my basketball teammates have provided a great deal of support.  Bob Reece who provides at least 25 scholarships to ETHS graduates each year ; has the Warren Cherry Scholarship that he has provided leadership for close to 30 years! Also, Soup Marty Campbell our teammate and University of Chicago graduate proposed that he would offer thru Zoom tutorials for the kids. What a brilliant proposal! Another football and basketball teammate from the class of 1965 Tom Weingartner who I spoke with yesterday went to undergraduate school at Stanford; thought that had tremendous opportunities even for him because living in Hyde Parrk in Chicago ; this is a much better solution for him not commuting back and forth to Evanston. Tom was the Athletic Director' at University of Chicago he recently retired a couple of years ago. But regardless of which Hall you were in , we still have the Best Classmates at ETHS!  Let's keep working to achieve our GOAL of $25,000 . This will be a great reason after this COVID-19  has been neutralized we can celebrate!👍🎉🎊❤️. I will keep you posted on our results 

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Renee Sherer (Schleicher)

I was able to contribute through my Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund -- Equity and Empowerment for Evanston Families is one of the listed charities.  The IRS 501(c)3 # is automatically provided.  Rommie, kudos to you for spearheading this.  In this season of giving, it feels great to support this worthwhile endeavor.  

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Marty (Martin C. ) Campbell

Rommie, your posts are beautifully written.  They contain the team, school, and all humanity spirit you held so profoundly in your entire being way back then in h.s..  Bless yer whole life sustenance.  And your sharing that with all.  Robert Duke of Earl Reece, Tom Weingartner, now late Dr. X Robert Bost, Kenny Dose Wideman, Arnie Moschin, Bob GreatDads.org Hamrin, my Soup self, Ollman, Seward, and the rest of us — you still keep us all together.  class of 64.

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Rosanne Bass (Keynan)

Rommie,

Thanks so much for your leadership and for reaching out to our class to support EEEF. I donated a few days ago without any trouble. No personal acknowledgement is necessary. I wish you and all our '64 schoolmates a healthy, safe and meaningful new year!

Rosanne Keynan

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Susan Chausow (Southam)

Happy New Year to everyone! I have also successfully contributed to a wonderful cause and add my thanks to Rommie for letting us know about it. 

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Linda Schwartz (Ludwig)

Thank you to Rommie for all his dedication and service.  I also just made a contribution.  Although I did not graduate with our class, I still feel fortunate to be part of the class of '64.  Happy New Year to all!!                         

Linda Schwartz Ludwig

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Lincoln Krochmal

Rommie,

I was able to donate through my ayco  charitable Gift Fund. I am happy to support this very worthwhile cause and your leadership is instrumental in garnering the support from our '64 class showing the degree we feel an allegiance to the future of the youth in Evanston, a town we were fortunate enough to be raised in.

Go Wildkits. Wonderful to be a part of this class!

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Melvin "Rommie" Taylor

Hello Classmates,

Just got word that we have deposited and have surpassed $17,000. We still have donations coming in! I want to thank the classmates in the 1964 ETHS South,West, North and East Halls. The following are some of the names that have made contributions: 

Jack Rakove, Lincoln Krochmal,Marc Goodman, Martin (Soup) Campbell,Fred Brostoff,Stephen Gerth,Kathy Miehls, Ruth Gross, Alison Brown,Rosanne Kenyan, Karl Morthole,Susan Pastin,Terry Rose, Bob Reece, Susan Chausow,Renee Sherer,Linda Schwartz, Sandra Blumenfeld,Sherwin Jay Siegall , Linda Ludwig,Jean Stoll,Christine Vasar,Bill Wanlund,Peter Skoglund,Arlene Burke(Avery) Dana Johnson (Phillips). as a class we need to get more of our classmates to join us on line and keep this website energized with content. We need to get over the GOAL of $25,000 ! Please contact a classmate and have them contribute. We need your help and support ! Give back to Evanston! God bless each of you for all and any donation!

Go Wildkits,

We Will Fight For You !!!!!!

Rommie HOF Honorary Captain 

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Elaine Borland (Purnell)

I'm sending in a check. 

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Dana Phillips (Johnson)

Rommie,

Sent check.  Thanks for taking the leadership in this effort.

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Melvin "Rommie" Taylor

Elaine Borland Purnell and Dana Johnson ( Phillips ) thanks for sending in your checks.
Also,  I just spoke with Russell Roberts and  Arthur Hallstrom are making check donations. Our classmates are the Best ! 

The Four Halls ( North, East, West & South) represents the Best class of ETHS . Let's achieve our goal of $25,000. We can do it if we all pull together. 
 

Go Wildkits, 

We Will Fight For You!'!!!!!!

Rommie HOF Honorary Captain 

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Michael Silverman

Elaine Borland was my first crush -- in fourth grade.  I was always a step behind her and still am.

Rommie -- count me in for $1,000.

Mike Silverman

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Lincoln Krochmal

Rommie,

You are doing a great job leading the charge on securing donations from our ETHS class for the EEEF. Keep on pushin as the goal line is in sight! We will score very soon as the classmates who have yet to contribute will get on this train too.

Bless you and all our classmates. Go Wildkits!

Lincoln

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NOTE:  If you would like to post additional comments regarding the EEEF project, please click on "Reply" below.

Dear Rommie,

    I donated today.  Thank you for reaching out to us.  Rosemary (Burg) Heilemann

Fred, 
Congratulations, to my 1964 Classmates as of 1/11/22 , we are at $24,442 of our $25,000 Attainment Goal ! Thanks again for all your help and support.

2022 is going to be Extremely Exciting for all of us!!!

God Bless all of us , as we continue our journeys! 

Go Wildkits,
We Will Fight For You!!!!!!!

Rommie HOF Honorary Captain 

I'm so glad that your hard work and enthusiasm for the EEEF program are producing such great results.

James Patrick

Hi, Rommie.  I tried to make a donation through my Fidelity account and they need an address for EEEF.  There was none on the EEEF website.  Do you have one so that I may complete the transaction?  Thanks!

Melvin "Rommie" Taylor

James Patrick,

Thanks James for reaching back to support the Evanston community. Your donation is greatly appreciated and valued.

Please make check out to E.E.E.F. / send check to :

Chris Livatino 

3536 Hillside Road

Evanston,Illinois 60201

Again James thank you for your service to the country ! Also, God Bless you and your family. As a Foster School classmate you , Dana , Arlene and Philyiss are showing great leadership. I appreciate your help and support .

Best Regards,

Rommie HOF Honorary Captain

Melvin "Rommie" Taylor

Russ Roberts,

Thanks for your donation and support for E.E.E.F. You have been so generous in the past; in your  support to your fellow classmate's causes. Also , Russ I hope you have a speedy recovery from your shoulder surgery. God Bless you and your family. I hope 2022 is a wonderful year for you!!!

Go Wildkits,

We Will Fight For You!!!!!!

Rommie HOF Honorary Captain

Hi Rommie,  Check mailed last week.  Thank you for bringing this to our attention, especially for those of us who no longer live in the area.

To all my Class of '64 Classmates,

Camp Kuumba is currently about to end the school year and start the summer school program at ETHS. This year, the program supports both Boys and Girls in 3rd -8th grade.

Two years ago, we had a tremendous effort to raise $25,000 in revenue for the boys. I am requesting the support of all my classmates that supported Camp Kuumba in the past. We appreciate your help and support. As I have stated, we are the Best Class from all of the ETHS classes. Please support this program because of all the positive results and feedback the program achieves.

I know I can count on you to come through and  pull us over our goal.  As you can see, we had many classmates that contributed  in the past and now we need even more of you to step up!

Again, thank you!!!!!

Please make contributions to Camp Kuumba, PO Box 5448. Evanston, Illinois 60204

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Thank you in advance for your support! !

Go ETHS WilLDKITS,

Rommie Taylor HOF Honorary Captain 

Melvin "Rommie" Taylor wrote: