Kits for Kids exceeds expectations

Jenna Campbell

Times Junior Reporter

 

The Strathmore High School students who were involved with the Kits for Kids Talent Show Benefit and Silent Auction on March 9, were extremely pleased with the overall success of the night. The completely student-run event raised well over the original goal, reaching $2464. A large contribution came from the silent auction, which in itself raised over $600. The success of the night is a reflection of the large combined efforts of the students, proving that it is possible to rally the community and peers into supporting a good cause.

Kits for Kids is a non-profitable humanitarian fund from which all proceeds go towards buying school supplies. The SHS students then plan to assemble the materials into school kit,s which are then sent to kids in need. Every ten dollars donated is enough to supply one child with enough school supplies for a year. SHS student Brooklyn Davidson was the organizer of the event, and after a lot of time committed into making the night a success, she feels hugely pleased with the final outcome.

The night was full of entertainment, with sixteen different acts, ranging anywhere from light dancing to aerial silk dancing. One of the silk dancers, Kate Van Kruyssen, was more than happy in helping the cause.

“I feel like because I was dancing in it, I promoted it way more than if I wasn’t in it and just buying a ticket,” she said. “I just told everyone about it, so more money could be brought in.”

Despite Davidson’s own personal efforts, she strongly emphasizes how the night would not have been possible without the collective time and effort contributed from all of the students.

“It was really amazing how it was student run and how we really didn’t have any help from teachers,” said Davidson. “Matt Rederburg and Daniel Sinclair did an awesome job. They helped tremendously with the tech and organizing the show. The show wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

For what is to be expected in the future, SHS teacher Mr. Doran Davidson is hopeful that more charitable events will be put on by students, with the example of the Talent Show demonstrating that it is possible. 

“I would hope that this would be the beginning of Strathmore High School’s involvement in many different ways to help the community, whether or not it becomes an annual thing,” said Mr. Davidson. “I think when people recognize that a quality event is going to be placed or put on, that it’s pretty easy to come out and support that, and want to be generous towards helping those in need. That’s what (the event) provided.”