St.Baldrick's event
On March 24, 2018, I collaborated with a phenomenal group of students to throw a St.Baldrick's Shave-a-thon. Through months of planning and fundraising, we were able to raise $4,157 towards childhood cancer research. This was such a successful event for us, and it was thrilling for us to help a cause so close to our community. We were able to honor two children in our state who were fighting cancer. Telling their story was an incredible way to show the impact that childhood cancer has on the patient and their families. We also arranged for games, decorations, barbers, and a snow cone truck to be at our event. This was a lot for five high-school students to take on, but the opportunity to serve our community was so emotional and impactful to all of us.
In our second year of St. Baldrick's, we set a goal to double our attendance, honor 6 children, and raise $5,000. We not only accomplished these goals, but greatly exceeded them. By the end of our event, we raised $8,477 for childhood cancer research!
Christmas Giving tree
In December of 2018, I decided to give back to the community by emphasizing the true meaning of the season: giving. Christmas is my favorite holiday, and I realized that not everybody gets the opportunity to celebrate it the way I do. I reached out to different hospitals and charities until I found the Parker Task Force, who presented an option that would work well for my school. I ended up "adopting" a family for my school to support and give gifts to. I put up a Christmas tree in the hallway and hung gift tags on the branches. Each tag contained an item that the family had requested or one that we thought they might like. I sent out emails, made posters, and reported it on the school announcements to request donations. Within 24 hours, every tag had been taken from the tree. I had so many presents and gift cards delivered, and I had a wrapping party with friends so we could surprise the family for Christmas. After delivering the gifts, I received a thank you note from my adopted family. This really allowed me to see the good that can come from my actions. Directly seeing how my service impacted the community was an experience I will never forget. I have continued this event through my high school career.
