In just about two months time, Frenship’s Bennett Elementary was able to raise nearly $9,000 for Make-A-Wish. It’s the second time the school has raised enough money to grant a child with a life-threatening medical condition his/her wish, according to Principal Michelle Elliott.
“I think a goal of our campus is really to work with our kiddos on how they can impact the community and citizenship and just being servant leaders,” she said.
Bennett Elementary was able to raise the majority of the money by hosting a handful of fundraisers including Disney Day, Penny Wars, Pickle Pops, Dress Up Week and Boys vs Girls: One Day War. Penny Wars, which was held the week of March 7, raised the most money with more than $4,200 collected.
“It is pretty remarkable that they were able to do that,” Elliott added.
Frenship ISD participated in a program called Kids For Wish Kids, which is entirely managed by the students. According to Make-A-Wish, students are responsible for brainstorming fundraising ideas, developing plans of action, then managing their project(s) from start to finish.
Bennett Elementary is expected to host a wish reveal in November. Elliott said having the students involved in granting a wish will allow them to see their fundraising efforts really pay off.
“So then they really connect their hard work to who it’s impacting,” she said. “It’s pretty emotionally charged and it’s really exciting.”
To learn more about Kids For Wish Kids, and other fundraising or volunteer opportunities, contact Make-A-Wish at (806) 785-9474.