Abbey Skarbinski and Kelsey Cyrbok came to me with a Independent Service Project (a requirement of second year members) asking to host a NHS Downriver Boys Volleyball Charity tournament. Through social media they invited schools and advertised the event. We held it on Saturday Dec 9 in the gym.
6 schools participated and each represented a different charity
- Trenton – National Breast Cancer Foundation
- Woodhaven – Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
- Allen Park – Cystic Fibrosis
- Cabrini – Social Works
- Wyandotte – Relentless Detroit (childhood cancer)
- Gabriel Richard – American Diabetes Association
Each team paid a entrance fee. Admission was collected at the door. A bake sale collected donations.
50 players, plus coaches, plus parents and fans attended. I would estimate at least 200 in attendance. We already have schools asking to participate next year and Abby Slate has stepped up to run the 2018 tournament.
Mr. Schlesinger and Mr. Ruetz were the referees. Although they received some heat from coaches, they did a great job and seemed to have fun. NHS members worked the event and donated baked goods, parents came to help chaperone, and even the West family came to help. The little one (Natalie) ran the scoreboard. Thank you to Mr. Stephens for a TON of support.
All proceeds will be donated to the winner’s charity. Wyandotte won (a tough battle against Woodhaven) and the $1010 raised will be donated to Relentless Detroit on their behalf.
I am incredibly proud of Abbey and Kelsey for their leadership. If you see them, please give them a “congrats” for their hard work. They have set a precedent and standard to be met by current and future members.
