ONTARIO, Ohio — When presented with an opportunity to help others, students and staff at Ontario Local Schools never hesitate to provide assistance.
They showed their overwhelming support when two students, Cameron Friend and Bronson Radebaugh, were diagnosed with cancer by holding a number of fundraisers and benefits.
“Our school in the last seven or eight weeks has raised tens of thousands of dollars for these students,” Superintendent Lisa Carmichael said.
And just recently, the district wrapped up a fundraiser for United Way of Richland County. The fundraiser, which began Oct. 8 and ended Nov. 4, raised $5,315.84. That exceeded last year’s total by $288.54, making it the largest contribution the district has ever raised for United Way in a single campaign.
“I was just so floored when I saw that we exceeded any pledge that we’ve ever given,” Carmichael said. “I’m so proud of our students and staff.”
A few incentives were offered to help encourage participation, she said.
In 2014, Ontario Schools raised $5,027.30 for United Way. That was the highest increase in donations over the previous year of any school in Richland County. As a result, Ontario Schools obtained the United Way educational mascot, “Gus the Gopher.”
Carmichael said they hope to keep Gus for another year, noting that other schools’ campaigns are still ongoing. It probably won’t be until mid-December that the final totals are revealed, she said.
But what the fundraiser really boils down to, she said, “is giving back to our community–that’s what it’s all about.”
