In a remarkable effort to rescue her cherished Catholic elementary school from imminent closure, Susan Lutzke, a seventeen-year-old high school senior from Ingleside, Illinois, has successfully spearheaded a fundraising campaign, securing over $400,000 in a bid to address the financial challenges faced by St. Bede School.

The urgency arose when school administrators announced on December 13, 2023, that the institution could potentially shut down unless the required funds were raised by January 26. Undeterred by the daunting task ahead, Susan swiftly took action, creating a GoFundMe page the morning after learning about the school's precarious situation.

The crowdfunding initiative garnered immediate support, with nearly 900 donations ranging from $10 to $50,000. Susan, in an interview with CNA on January 5, expressed her astonishment at the campaign's success, stating, "I don't think I ever really expected it to get where it is."

Susan's mother, Tina Lutzke, shared in the excitement, saying, "We're so happy and grateful for the support that it's received."

A recent update on the GoFundMe page by Susan announced the surpassing of the initial $400,000 goal with 12 days remaining until the deadline. Expressing gratitude, she stated, "Our hearts are full, and we struggle to find the words to properly convey our gratitude."

The funds raised are now being instrumental in securing the future of St. Bede School. Susan mentioned in her statement that the school administration is diligently working on a plan for long-term sustainability and increased enrollment, which will be presented to Chicago archbishop Cardinal Blase Cupich. The decision on whether the school will remain open is expected in February.

While the Archdiocese of Chicago's Catholic Schools Office did not provide an immediate response to CNA's inquiry, earlier statements revealed that decreased state funding, particularly due to the expiration of the Invest in Kids Act, has posed challenges for many Catholic schools, including St. Bede.

Tina Lutzke, who also works at St. Bede School, explained, "The Invest in Kids Act was a huge help to us with scholarships for those who couldn't quite afford a Catholic education. And that program expired at the end of 2023 last month, and it has not been renewed yet."

Reflecting on her positive experience at St. Bede, Susan emphasized the close-knit nature of the smaller school and the lasting connections she forged. As the community rallies behind this inspirational fundraising effort, the fate of St. Bede School now hangs in the balance, awaiting Cardinal Cupich's decision in February.