May 15, 2007 - When D.A.R.E. Officer Sharon Joseph heard the request of a former student of hers, she thought it would be a good idea. Officer Joseph had no idea the event would net nearly 30% of her annual budget.

Sixth grader Abby Levy needed to complete a local charitable event to fulfill a requirement for her Bat Mitzvah next year, so she decided to have a garage sale to help raise money for the local D.A.R.E. program.

Abby talked to all her friends and asked for donations. She also plastered the town with flyers about her garage sale for D.A.R.E. In all, she raised $1050 to directly benefit future 5th grade students in Hawthorn District 73 who will go through the drug prevention program.

Abby is pictured above with Officer Joseph (left) and Chief Mark Fleischhauer (right). The Chief was quick to point out how much this donation will mean to the program. "At just about 1/3 of our annual budget for D.A.R.E., this money will go a long way to help us keep reinforcing the values and lifestyle choices that the program represents," he said. "From all of us here at the Vernon Hills Police Department, thank you very much."

Abby sure seems to have a bright future in whatever field she chooses. She even volunteered to be the guest speaker at the spring 2007 D.A.R.E. Graduation, where she delivered a powerfully personal message to the fifth graders of Townline Elementary and Hawthorn North Elementary schools.

"We can only hope all of our past, present and future D.A.R.E. students turn out this enterprising and community-minded," said Officer Joseph. "Abby was a pleasure to meet and teach."