The Tyrone Youth Action Network concluded its annual fundraiser for the Panzi Foundation.
After collecting coins and paper money for two weeks, YAN raised a total of $579.17. All money collected will go towards Panzi Hospital located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
All donations directly benefit the women survivors of wartime rape and acts of violence, and their children.
Although the method of donations was slightly different this year, there was still an excellent turnout.
YAN Advisor Staci Greenleaf is thrilled with the results.
“I am so pleased with how the fundraiser turned out. The new team-based approach made it more engaging, and it was great to see students get creative and competitive in such a positive way,” Greenleaf said.
Tyrone High School is also the longest-supporting high school student group of the Panzi Foundation in the world, raising over $17,000 over the years.
The new method of collecting donations allowed for the YAN club members to form teams and make it a competition amongst each other, hoping to achieve more involvement from students outside of the club.
“What made me most proud was seeing students stay motivated to make a difference, even though the impact is happening halfway across the world,” said Greenleaf. “They didn’t let the distance stop them—they recognized the importance of helping others and stepped up in a big way”
There was a point system that contributed to the team’s totals based on how many pennies, silver coins, and paper bills were collected and each had varying points.
The winners were Sophia Cowher, Sam Shaw, Emily Stine, and Kylee Nelson with 14,084 points and each won a Sheetz gift card.
Second place was Josh Dale, Tyke Beck, and Nate Erickson with 12,738 points, and third place was Abby Sherry, Lily Ammerman, Sarah Dale, Sophia Raneri, and Lola Woomer with 4,685 points.
“I want to extend a huge thank you to every student who donated or took the time to participate. They put in the effort to make a global difference, and because of them, the donation is going to support life-changing work at the Panzi Hospital. They’ve helped provide healing and hope to women and children who truly need it, and that’s something to be proud of,” said Greenleaf.
