Philadelphia students reach fundraising goal for trip of a lifetime to Paris
A group of Philadelphia high school students are just days away from embarking on the trip of a lifetime.
Last month in our series "Spreading the Love," we introduced you to 10 YESPhilly Accelerated High School students who were raising money to spend their Thanksgiving holiday in Paris.
After weeks of fundraising – and with help from Harriett's Bookshop owner Jeannine Cook – the students surpassed their $60,000 goal on Nov. 6.
When CBS News Philadelphia first shared their story, the students initially needed to raise $50,000 by Nov. 1 to book their flights to Paris.
An anonymous $10,000 on Oct. 31 donation helped YESPhilly surpass that goal, but more fundraising was needed to cover incidentals, and help students buy proper clothing, coats and suitcases for the trip.
"I'm surprised we made it as fast as we did," student Kareem Blaire said.
"I've been waiting for this trip for the longest, and now it's right around the corner," added Nymir Foster.
The fundraising campaign was part of a 10-week course where students studied travel skills, the Black history of France and the value of studying abroad. While in France, they will visit several colleges, one of the bookshops Cook operates in Paris, and more.
"We're going to get to bring the kids, to be able to show them how someone from Philly was able to start a business over there. We'll also be touring a bunch of different restaurants, open markets," said chaperone Claire Williams.
Students and their chaperones will spend a week in Paris, and on Thanksgiving Day, will have a personal chef prepare their meals.
The community is invited to help send off the students in Parisian style at a celebration on Friday, Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m., hosted at Harriet's Bookshop on E. Girard Avenue.