A group of about 40 sixth-graders from the Charter School of Morgan Hill are churning out the fundraising dollars as they learn about the importance of giving back and helping others through the local Relay For Life.
So far, the “CSMH Cheetahs” have raised $4,033 of their stated $5,000 fundraising goal, using various ways to generate monies from a book sale on campus to collecting spare change from residents in their neighborhoods.
“I hope they learn to always help others and always give back,” said Cheetahs team leader Mary Robinson, who has taken on the role for second time in three years as her two sons reached the sixth grade. “It’s a great experience for the kids. It’s a fun time for them.”
The Relay for Life event, which is the American Cancer Society’s biggest annual fundraiser, is incorporated into CSMH’s sixth-grade curriculum so students learn what it’s all about, what it takes to raise funds, who they are helping and why it’s important.
This year, the 2017 Morgan Hill Relay For Life is scheduled from 10 a.m. May 20 to 10 a.m. May 21 at Community Park (171 W. Edmundson Ave.) Thirty-two participating teams, comprised of 227 members, have already raised $66,616 of organizers’ goal of $88,000 by the event’s conclusion. For more information on joining or donating to the Relay, visit relayforlife.org/morganhill.
“They are so enthusiastic. I think it’s great,” said local Relay marketing lead Andy Nunez of the CSMH Cheetahs. “It shows that we can pass the torch down to the newer generation of kids coming up.”
The 24-hour walkathon and community party is open to everyone with fun activities, games and entertainment throughout the day as teams generate funds for the American Cancer Society.
“We will have somebody walking for the entire 24 hours,” said Robinson, who lost her mother to breast cancer in 1996. “It’s special for all of us.”
The Cheetahs will wear their own team t-shirts for the Relay designed by sixth graders Jordan Lara and Kate Mandrell as part of a design contest.
“They definitely enjoy it for sure,” Robinson said. “I hope most can make it for the opening ceremonies.”
When: 10 a.m. May 20 to 10 a.m. May 21
Where: Community Park (171 W. Edmundson Ave.)
How: relayforlife.org/morganhill
