Student's Fund of Hope continues fundraising success

On Sept. 6th, the Student’s Fund of Hope held a dinner and movie night for the community on the Hope Town Square.

Free will donation boxes were set up for any who wanted to contribute.

The funds raised would go toward purchasing alternative seating for Hope Elementary. The event raised over $2,400 which will outfit several classrooms with alternative seating.

Alternative seating allows some children to concentrate better throughout the school day, which leads to better performance. Teachers rave about it.

That night was just one example of what the Student’s Fund of Hope does everyday. Since Whitney Budd and Stephanie Long started the fund in July 2018, the group has taken in over $36,000 in donations.

"It’s the heart of our community and what Hope embodies as a whole when you see how much as been donated in just a year," Budd said. "People have always been willing to help their neighbor here, there just wasn’t an outlet and we are happy to provide the outlet."

The fund’s mission is to provide assistance to Flatrock-Hawcreek School Corp. students and their families. Sometimes that assistance is very public, like the alternative seating. The group also paid off school lunch accounts that had negative balances last year.

But often, the most impactful assistance is given very privately. The Student’s Fund of Hope has helped several families find stable housing. Families have been referred to the fund when they are living in dire situations, such as without electricity or running water. Privately and quietly, the Fund relocates them to a more stable and healthy environment. This task involves providing a deposit and also the funds that utilities require to turn on their services.

Oftentimes, this work is done in conjunction with Love Chapel, but it is a large expense. A significant amount of the Student’s Fund outlays have come through these interventions. But those moments have an immediate and impactful change on the families’ lives. Most families are in better positions long term, and they often give back to the Student’s Fund when they are able.

Budd tries to see it from the children’s perspective.

"It’s easy for some people to turn a cheek and shun families because of the choices that the adult makes," Budd said. "So many times, people choose not to help, but all it does is show the children involved that they are surrounded by people who aren’t willing to help. They may not see very much good in the small world within the walls of their homes but we can show them that there is good and we are willing to help."

Anyone wishing to donate to the Student’s Fund of Hope can visit any First Financial Bank and donate into the account under the group’s name. Budd asks that anyone wishing to make a donation in this way put their name as the memo on the check (for the purposes of sending thank you notes), and any list any purpose that they would like their donation to help fund.