A group of students at Fulton High School are working hard to raise funds for sick children.
Janet Trowbridge, student council advisor at Fulton High School, said a group of her students is taking part in the Mizzouthon fundraiser, an event aimed at raising money for the University of Missouri Women's Children's Hospital. She said their dedication to the event makes her proud.
"They don't talk about what they should do, they take action," Trowbridge said. "They do it to support all the families and show that they're standing behind them. That means a lot."
Mizzouthon participants are rewarded for months of fundraising by participating in a dance-a-thon at the University of Missouri campus. This year, the college will also host an event for high schoolers from the Mid-Missouri area. Sophomore Haden Trowbridge said the event at the college is well worth the hard work.
"I got to attend the Mizzouthon two years ago," she said. "There's so much energy and so many people. The college kids are dancing, and there are all kinds of events for kids. It's fun to see."
The group of students find creative ways to raise funds, said Grace Sparks, a sophomore. The team even puts on a quick change collection during breaks at sporting events.
"We have these decorated cans, and had the announcer explain that we were connecting donations," she said. "We had runners go around to fans, and we'd put the change in the cans. It was amazing, we also had fans from the other team join in and support us."
Alyssa Hauck, a senior at the high school, said some of the funds are collected in a more traditional manner.
"To raise money, we do a lot of things like canning, where we stand outside Walmart and gather funds," she said.
The funds raised for the hospital have special significance for Trowbridge, she said.
"It's personal for me," she said. "I was their middle school advisor at the time my niece was born, and shortly after, she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. This crew worked hard to do our first event to raise awareness in the community. I'm so proud of these kids."
For some involved, while raising money is important, it's about spreading the message, said senior Hannah Sparks.
"It's not just for the money," she said. "It's really for the kids. They don't get to live life the way we do every day. It's about giving them the attention and letting them know they're appreciated. It's less about money and more about the message."
The students hope to inspire a sense of charity in their classmates and members of the community, according to Addie Zimmer, a senior.
"I think it's important because it sets an example for our peers to want to give back to the community," she said. "It also sets an example for the adults. They want to help as well."
Mattie Arnold, sophomore, said the students will be collecting funds in mid-November at Walmart in Fulton.
"We will be at the Fulton Walmart Nov. 12 and 13," she said. "We will be collecting donations in front of the store."
Those interested in donating online can visit mizzouthon.com/high-school to register.
