I am thrilled to share the fantastic news about our recent fundraiser, the Cardinal Dash fun run, and the overwhelming success it has been, thanks to the incredible enthusiasm and dedication of our students and families.
The Cardinal Dash was not only a tremendous achievement in terms of fundraising, but also a testament to the strong sense of community at Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Parish and School.
Our students, from the youngest to the oldest, embarked on an adventure of fun, fitness, and philanthropy as they participated in the 2nd Annual Cardinal Dash. Though rainy weather moved the event inside to the gymnasium, student excitement was palpable. Their collective spirit of giving back was truly inspiring. It was a joy to witness their determination as they ran, jogged, walked, and Chicken-Danced alongside their friends and teachers, all with one common goal in mind: supporting our school through the SMG Home and School Association.
I am delighted to announce that our students’ efforts in collecting pledges and participating in the Cardinal Dash have exceeded our expectations. The $18,785 in funds raised will play a pivotal role in enhancing the educational experience at our school, benefiting every student and every classroom. These contributions will support various educational initiatives, field trip experiences, and improvements that will enrich the lives of our children. Specifically, we’re updating equipment in the Art Room as well as addressing some needs on the playground; the Panda Ball pit is overdue for some repairs!
Beyond the financial aspect, the Cardinal Dash served as an opportunity for our students to learn important virtues such as fortitude, friendship, and generosity. From 12-minute runs to “pacers,” students had been physically preparing during Physical Education classes since the beginning of the academic year. It was heartwarming to see them embrace the idea of making a positive impact on our school community by rallying their friends and family to support their efforts.
The success of the Cardinal Dash fundraiser is a testament to the strength of our school community. It demonstrates our shared commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for our children and our willingness to work together to achieve that goal. I am deeply grateful for the dedication of our students, the support of our families, and the hard work of our SMG Home and School Association. We plan to celebrate exceeding our fundraising goals with an all-school pizza party and ice cream social on November 17.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all the parents, guardians, families, and friends who supported our students in their fundraising efforts. Your encouragement and involvement are instrumental in the success of such initiatives, and your children undoubtedly look to you as role models in the values of giving and community support.
We wish to also thank our Platinum Sponsors, MHB Real Estate and Springtime Health and Wellness and our Gold Sponsor, Knights of Columbus St. Maria Goretti Council 17889. The event was only possible through the hard work of our SMG Home and School Association (HSA), Eric Storck, and an army of HSA volunteers. And much props to SMG Parish parishioner Willie Swanson for his DJ skills during the Dash.
As we move forward, let us continue to nurture the spirit of giving and community at Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School. Our students have shown us that when we come together with a shared purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Thank you all for your unwavering support and for joining us in celebrating the success of our Cardinal Dash fundraiser. Together, we are building a strong, vibrant, and caring school community that will leave a lasting impact on the lives of our students.