Giving back to the community is a huge part of Tyrone’s annual homecoming, and greatly appreciated by many.
Tyrone’s homecoming court is unique in that it is not simply a popularity contest. Students are nominated by the various sports, clubs, and student organizations in the school to represent their organization.
The winners are chosen by a combination of student popular vote, a personal interview, creativity and execution on their homecoming sash, and participation in a community service fundraising drive.
Last year the homecoming court chose the Central PA Humane Society as their charity and raised nearly $14,000.
This year all donations will go to the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund.
The Bob Perks Fund has raised over 2.5 million dollars for local cancer patients facing financial hardship in Blair, Centre, Clearfield, Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Juniata Counties.
“This group provides short-term financial assistance to these families while they are undergoing cancer treatments,” said homecoming co-adviser Chelsea Markel.
Bob Perks was a State College native, Penn State alumnus, and a founding member of Coaches vs Cancer of Penn State. Perks passed away in 2005 at age 42 after a long battle with melanoma.
In 2006, his wife Doreen and Bob’s family, friends, and colleagues founded the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund (BPF) to help ease the financial burden of local cancer patients and their families by providing financial assistance for basic needs, so families impacted by cancer could worry less about unpaid bills and focus on treatment and recovery.
“They provide funds for basic necessities such as rent, utilities, or food, to individuals and families who are battling cancer,” said homecoming committee co-adviser Michele Marasco.
Each homecoming nominee contributes to the fund by sharing the court’s Go Fund Me page with family, friends, and community members. All donations go directly to the fund.
“After my seeing my pap’s experience with cancer, it brings excitement to me that we are able to help the community out in a way like this,” said homecoming court nominee Bree Paul.
The Bob Perks Fund has helped many local families and provided them with the assistance they need during a very stressful time.
To donate to the cause on behalf of your chosen homecoming court member, click the link below:
