Students at College View Middle School on Friday raised more than $11,000 for pediatric cancer research through their annual event Project Purple.
Sponsored by the National Junior Honor Society at CVMS, Project Purple encourages students to raise money individually or as a team to be donated on the day of the event — with the total amount raised revealed at the conclusion of the night. Proceeds are split between Apollo High School’s Dance Blue and Daviess County High School’s Raise Red.
One of the event sponsors, Katie Hopkins, was pleased with the outcome of the efforts to raise both money and awareness.
“The kids in NJHS worked so hard to make this event happen,” Hopkins said. “From fundraising to planning the games to choreographing the dance, these kids put so much time and effort into making Project Purple a meaningful event.”
During the first hour, students and volunteers learned a dance to perform as a group, which included the “Golden Girls” and “Friends” theme songs as well as the intro song to the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Hour two included dinner, utilizing volunteers from several local high schools and colleges to help serve. Hour three, “superhero hour,” allowed students to complete mini-service projects, including coloring puzzles to be given to children who are battling cancer. Finally, the fourth hour, “memorial hour,” was a time set aside to light a candle and share who each person was standing for.
“Tonight it was wonderful to see so many students having fun and realizing how fulfilling it can be to help others,” Hopkins said. “This year was special for me because we had so many former Vikings come back to help with the event. These kids have big hearts and it’s wonderful to see the difference they are making in our community.”
Student teacher and first-time volunteer Karsen Steele said he most enjoyed the sense of community the event brought to all involved.
“As a student teacher, I was lucky enough to help as part of my leadership project. This made me feel like I was truly a part of the school,” Steele said. “The best part for me was seeing all the students come together at the end to tell their reason as to why they were there.”
The event also called on supporters in the community who provided dinner, door prizes, and monetary donations from dozens of local businesses.
“It brought all students together from different backgrounds and groups to show that we can unite as one to make a change,” Steele said.
