This school year, Marian High School, located in Framingham, MA is not only gearing up to welcome back students, but administrators, teachers and students are joining in to celebrate the arrival of two new school buses – one of them as a result of a generous donation by Chris Zizza, whose daughters attend Marian. Zizza is also president of C&R Flooring.
The co-educational high school, founded in 1956, became its own entity in 2004 through a change in the governance within the Archdiocese of Boston. Faced with the challenge of needing to replace two aging buses and finding the funds to lease a new bus in their already strained budget, administrators reached out to parents and the community with a fundraising event this past spring. Optimally they hoped to raise $10,000 for a one-year lease, and $50,000 for a five-year lease. Despite everyone’s generosity, the result fell short - raising only $12,500 towards transportation – until Zizza stepped in.
Zizza, a former Executive Board member for the school, regularly supports the Roman Catholic high school by refinishing and installing hardwood floors and helping with other needs throughout the year. “It was pretty clear the funds weren’t going to cover both buses,” explained Zizza. “It’s a matter of safety. The students deserve reliable transportation. This, to me, is a no-brainer. I love being able to help a school that has given my family so much. And the safety of our children should always be a priority.” The new buses rolled into action this week with the start of the school year.
“The generosity of parents and friends of Marian really touches my heart. I was thrilled with the funds raised to help with the lease of one bus, then was overwhelmed by Chris’ generosity in assuming responsibility for the five year lease of a second bus,” stated Sister Catherine Clifford, principal, Marian High School. “It is a perfect example of what can happen when generous hearts collaborate for a great cause. Our students are thrilled and so are we.”
For over 25 years, C&R Flooring of Westwood, MA has sold, installed, and refinished thousands of feet of wood flooring for homeowners and contractors. Considered one of the region’s most knowledgeable flooring companies with a professional and courteous staff, C&R is the first to bring dustless floor sanding to New England.