TYRONE, Pa. – A group of elementary school students in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, has demonstrated entrepreneurial acumen and a commitment to charitable giving, raising over $400 for Altoona Benefitting THON (ABT), an organization supporting children battling cancer.
The students – Linkai Hawthorne, Joseph Davis, Kennedy Shaffer, Rian McManigal, Jade Campbell and Ryleigh Musselman – attend Saint Matthew School and operate a student-run business called Rescue Aid. Their initiative involved establishing a temporary Christmas store within the school, offering gifts to fellow students.
The project, launched in November, followed a standard business model. The students identified their target market – classmates seeking holiday gifts – and conducted research into potential merchandise. They learned the fundamentals of cost analysis, calculating the per-item cost, markup price, and projected profit margins. This hands-on experience provided a practical lesson in retail economics.
The store, complete with decorations and signage, opened in December, allowing Saint Matthew students to purchase gifts for friends, and family. After covering expenses, the Rescue Aid team calculated a total profit of $400.75. This figure represents not only a financial success but also a tangible demonstration of the students’ understanding of basic business principles.
The students unanimously chose ABT as the recipient of their fundraising efforts. Kennedy Shaffer, Rescue Aid’s chief financial officer, explained the group’s motivation: The chance to help kids with cancer was important to us. When we saw that these were kids who live around here, we really wanted to do something for them.
This localized focus highlights a desire to directly impact their community.
ABT, a local organization, expressed gratitude for the students’ generosity and initiative. Neya Kratzer, ABT’s executive director for fundraising, stated, It is inspiring to see children in local communities gain an understanding and passion for THON’s mission. We are so proud of them for their generosity and for showing such dedication to helping other children battling cancer.
Kratzer emphasized that a key goal of ABT is to encourage broader community involvement and inspire others to contribute to their cause.
The Rescue Aid initiative exemplifies a growing trend of student-led fundraising efforts, often referred to as “a-thons,” which combine educational experiences with charitable giving. These events, as detailed by FutureFund, can take various forms – move-a-thons, read-a-thons, or, in this case, a retail-based fundraising model. The core principle remains consistent: participants engage in an activity and solicit donations from their network of family, friends, and local businesses.
The success of the Saint Matthew School students’ Christmas store underscores the potential for elementary-level entrepreneurship programs to instill valuable business skills while fostering a sense of social responsibility. The project provided practical experience in areas such as market research, financial management, and customer service – skills that are increasingly relevant in today’s economy.
The funds raised by Rescue Aid will contribute to ABT’s broader mission of supporting children and families affected by cancer. While the specific allocation of the $400.75 donation was not detailed, ABT’s work typically encompasses financial assistance for medical expenses, emotional support services, and research funding. The organization’s impact extends beyond direct financial aid, aiming to create a network of support for families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer.
The Jog-A-Thon, a similar fundraising event at Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary School, demonstrates the broader appeal of “a-thon” style fundraising. According to information from , the Hearst school’s Jog-A-Thon relies on students soliciting pledges based on the distance they run, jog, or walk. Donations to the Phoebe Hearst PTO are tax-deductible, with the organization holding a 501(c)(3) status and tax ID # 90-0742708. This highlights the importance of clear donation procedures and tax-deductibility for maximizing fundraising potential.
The Saint Matthew School’s Rescue Aid initiative serves as a compelling example of how young entrepreneurs can make a meaningful contribution to their communities. By combining business acumen with a commitment to charitable giving, these students have demonstrated the power of social entrepreneurship and the importance of supporting organizations like ABT in their fight against childhood cancer.
