Photo used with permission.
Student members from SkillsUSA and the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) recently joined forces to support the work of Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. These students — from Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) in nearby Spencerport — produced big results in the hospital’s annual “Stroll for Strong Kids” walk and 5K run, a fundraising event designed to strengthen the hospital’s much-needed programs and services to the community.
The SkillsUSA and NTHS students generated awareness and enthusiasm at the school by making posters, creating daily announcements on the PA system and holding an engaging Spirit Week in the days leading up to the event. Money was raised by collecting bottles and cans to return, hosting a food delivery day with the help of the school’s culinary students, and receiving personal donations.
On the day of walk, students and staff alike walked the campus in 20-minute shifts to ensure COVID-19 safety protocols. Meanwhile, “Sandy Strong” (the hospital’s mascot), along with SkillsUSA and NTHS students, cheered participants on while passing out candy, water, stickers and more.
The total raised by this SkillsUSA/NTHS partnership was $3,590, earning them a spot as one of the Stroll’s top ten fundraising teams (along with some nifty yard signs to commemorate the award). In a normal year, more than 12,000 participate in the event and help raise more than $400,000. In 2020 and in 2021, due to the pandemic, the event was held virtually or at separate, smaller locations. However, thanks to committed community members like these SkillsUSA and NTHS students, the year’s $250,000 goal was exceeded with more than $265,000 raised.
