PW Senior Organizing Fundraising Event for Ronald McDonald House Charities
Student Alexa Augustine uses determination and initiative to create her own charity event.
December 2015
Bo Flint '16
Sometimes it is inspiration that leads to direct advancement of a cause. When there is a direct goal in mind, it can be hard to follow through with it. People tend to sit back and think about acting on a cause, but eventually say they didn't have the time or it just couldn't be done. However, this laziness is not present in a PWHS senior’s goal to raise funds for local charities.
Alexa Augustine has taken advantage of a 20% project in a twelfth grade honors English course to begin her journey to raise awareness and funds through the Ronald McDonald House charities.
The premise of the 20% project in her course is to allow students to devote one fifth of their class time to work on an outside learning opportunity. Augustine took to the reins and guided herself to set up a charitable event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.
Before I go any farther, let me explain what this charity represents. The Ronald McDonald House raises funds to create housing opportunities for families who would like to be close with their injured or severely ill children. These houses allow the perfect way for these families to have a “home-away-from-home” for little to no cost.
Ronald McDonald House Charities released a statement saying, “Our Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child – not where they can afford to stay, where they will get their next meal or where they will lay their head at night to rest. We believe that when a child is hospitalized the love and support of family is as powerful as the strongest medicine prescribed.”
When I asked her about why exactly she chose to do this, she noted that, “I wanted to do something where I felt I was giving back to the community and helping out by giving to a foundation that a lot of people benefit from.”
In addition, Augustine has close ties to this organization mentioning that she has had family friends who in the past have used this charity.
Her overall goal is to make an impact through her fundraising event. When discussing about her experiences at other events like the one she will be hosting, she mentions, “I have gone to several dinners and benefits that CHOP has held, so I am using what I have seen there and applying it to my own event.”
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Her event is designed “to bring the community together,” as she told me. This event will encompass both family themed activities almost modeling a township day fair including moon bounces, face painting, carnival games, and other fun festivities. A silent auction will also be held, as well as a demo team, and other groups/organizations in and outside of our school.
To make this all happen, Augustine went out of her way to place sponsorship ads from local businesses to help fund her costly expenses like rentals, the venue, and having groups perform. This truly is a special event, and as Alexa put it herself, “I am trying to bring the community together for a good cause on one day!”
To be a part of this great event, bring your friends and family to the Fellowship House in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. The event is held from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on January 9th, encompassing great activities, fantastic music, and fine dining throughout the afternoon. Help Alexa Augustine bring the community together and promote charitable fundraising for a great cause and stop on by!
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Ronald McDonald House Charity Event
Fast Facts When: Saturday, January 9, 2016 11:00 AM-4:00 PM Where: Fellowship House in Conshohocken Why: To raise money for the Ronald McDonald House charity What to Do While You're There: participate in carnival games, face painting, a silent auction, and more or see demonstrations by multiple groups |
It is great to see true initiative followed by action in our local areas, and us as a civilization should learn and support this example to create a more aware and tightly knit community. Next time you have an idea, make it happen, it is as simple as that. Learn from people like Alexa Augustine and become ambitious in your daily thoughts and make a difference.