FORTVILLE : Mt. Vernon High School students are raising money for Riley Hospital for Children to help fund palliative care and a program that provides toys for children.
The National Honor Society raised $5,303 through “Penny Wars” in which students were able to skip a final exam if their class raised the most money. Juniors were on top, raising $2,365; seniors raised $1,008; sophomores, $1,911; and freshmen, $19.15.
Additional fundraising will happen with the Riley Dance Marathon on April 10. Riley families have been asked to speak at the marathon beginning in the school’s gym at 1:30 p.m. Students will stand throughout the duration of the dance marathon in honor of Riley patients and are seeking pledges to support their efforts in support of Riley Hospital.
The Mt. Vernon High School Dance Marathon is partnered with the Ball State University Dance Marathon; both marathons help fund the Magic Castle Cart Program and the Palliative Care Program.
The Magic Castle Cart Program provides smile therapy to patients twice a week. A cart designed as a castle is taken to patients by volunteers and children get to choose a toy that makes them smile.
The Palliative Care Program improves the quality of life for critically or terminally ill patients through spiritual, physical, emotional and mental support. The program specializes in pain management through yoga, massage and acupuncture services.
Checks can be made out to Mt. Vernon High School with “Riley Dance Marathon” in the memo. Donation questions can be sent to Justin Goff, [email protected]. Fundraising online is at rileykids.org.
