Through a program called Magnified Giving, East Clinton High School students donated $4,500 to one nonprofit — Operation Cherrybend, the recipient of this year’s grant.
Magnified Giving gave the students a base grant of $1,000 and then matched us $250 with student-raised funds.
East Clinton’s students were able to fundraise an additional $3,250 to go towards the grant. These student-raised funds came from NERF games, bake sales at sporting events, restaurant fundraisers at Buffalo Wild Wings, and donations.
Because of COVID-19, ECHS junior Tessa Bosier presented the check to several of Operation Cherrybend members through a Zoom conference earlier in the spring.
However, this past Saturday, several students were able to present the check to the members of Operation Cherrybend along with veterans from all over the United States.
Operation Cherrybend then honored Tessa Bosier with the Student Ambassador award for going above and beyond for not only Magnified Giving, but for promoting Operation Cherrybend.
But East Clinton didn’t stop there. Throughout the year, students were involved in several Giving Circles where they are able to donate to nonprofits in a smaller setting.
Tessa Bosier was able to award Operation Cherrybend $550 and Jaiden Alloy was able to award $250 to Highland County Humane Society by participating on behalf of East Clinton in those Giving Circles.
“We were also a part of another Giving Circle where our group presented Operation Cherrybend and then the entire group got to vote on the winning nonprofit,” said ECHS Magnified Giving Instructor Casey Curtis. “Operation Cherrybend won the vote and we were able to donate an additional $513.79 from student-raised funds through that Giving Circle. When COVID hit we had to slow down our program and meet virtually.
“We were asked to participate in a mini-version of the Magnified Giving program in the late spring. East Clinton students met via Zoom and discussed what our community was in most need of during COVID and how could we contribute to help that need.
“The students chose Sugartree Ministries and they were able to donate $1,000 toward their nonprofit. In total, East Clinton’s Magnified Giving program was able to donate a grand total of $6813.79 to local nonprofits throughout the 2019-2020 school year.
“These students go above and beyond as young philanthropists and giving back to their community,” Curtis added.
Also, three students were nominated and awarded the Roger Grein Student of Philanthropy award this past year — seniors Jaiden Alloy and Autumn Berry along with Bosier. These students were given a certificate and t-shirt for their award this past month.
East Clinton currently has 17 students who participate regularly: Tessa Bosier, Gracie Boggs, Autumn Berry, Jaiden Alloy, Jozie Jones, Aaron Hughes, August Morgan, Jenna Stanley, Gracie Evanshine, Alexis Taylor, Marci Ellis, Lydia Denney, Gretchen Boggs, Grady Boggs, Carah Anteck, Kenton Deaton, Justin Arnold and Austin Alloy.
East Clinton alumni that participated last year were Myah Jones and Noah Pattan. The program is facilitated by Casey Curtis.
The students in the Magnified Giving program have been working through a course that Magnified Giving offers teaching students about philanthropy and the necessary skills needed to become a philanthropist.
“They worked hard all year and showed great pride in raising extra money to help support the non-profits they chose in Clinton County,” said Curtis.
