About the Project

What is the scope of the auditorium renovation?

Almost 30 years after the previous seats were installed, the Bell School Auditorium was in sore need of a renovation. The plan approved by the LSC in January 2004 included replacing all of the seats, refinishing the floors, cleaning the floor ventilation system, replacing the carpet, extending the stage and painting the auditorium to highlight its beautiful architectural details. Eventually, we hope to replace the curtains and add a new sound system.

When will the renovation begin? How long will it take?

Although planning and fundraising efforts started earlier, actual work on the auditorium began March 22, 2004, with the new seats installed in August of that year. The 2004 graduation ceremony was held in the newly painted auditorium using folding chairs.

To view some photos of the renovation in progress, click here.

How much will the total project cost? How much do we currently have? How much more do we need?

The budget for the initial phase of the project is $258,000. We started with approximately $168,000 designated for the renovation: a committment from CPS to pay for half of the cost of the seats, a generous donation from Centrum Properties, and the LSC's loan and pledge of available Friends of Bell Funds. Fundraising efforts to raise the remaining $90,000 from the Bell community through seat adoptions and other donations began in the fall of 2003.

How can I help?

There are a number of different ways for people to help with the auditorium project, from stuffing envelopes to calling on businesses for donations. Please contact Principal Sandra Caudill at 773-534-5150 to find out how you can help.

Adopt-a-Seat and Other Fundraising

How can I adopt a seat?

For a $200 tax-deductible donation, you can adopt-a-seat in the Bell School auditorium and have your name, and/or the name of your child or family, permanently engraved on a brass plaque embedded in the armrest of your seat. To adopt a seat, simply click on the adopt-a-seat form, print it out and follow the directions. If you have any questions, please contact Principal Sandra Caudill at 773-534-5150.

What is the deadline for adopting seats?

While there is no specific deadline to adopt-a-seat, seats are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. So don?t delay if you want to ensure that you get a seat.

Can I request a specific seat to adopt?

Unfortunately, we cannot honor requests for specific seats. We will try our best accommodate requests for keeping groups of seats together, but please understand that we cannot make any guarantees.

Will my child always get to sit in his/her seat?

No. Please remember that seats are being adopted, not purchased, and therefore are available for anyone to sit in. The intent is to allow individuals to create a little written legacy while raising funds for the auditorium project.

Can people outside of Bell School adopt seats?

Absolutely. They should follow the same directions as Bell School members.

How can I get a plaque on the wall in addition to or instead of on a seat?

The back wall of the auditorium is being dedicated to Bell School individuals and families who would like to do more than adopt a seat. For a minimum donation of $500, you will have plaque permanently mounted on the back wall in recognition of your generous contribution. If you would also like to adopt a seat, you can do so for an additional $200.

How can I help?

The fundraising effort is a huge task, and there are many ways for you to help:

• Provide contact names of individuals at businesses who might be in a position to make a donation to Friends of Bell

• Check to see if your employer will match your donation (many employers have ?matching gift? donations)

• Get involved in one of the many fundraising committees

If you want to get involved, please contact Will Hobert. No matter what you do, you?ll know it is helping Bell School and is greatly appreciated.