LEO-CEDARVILLE – The Leo Elementary gym was packed with students cheering on their friends last Monday during the school’s annual talent show.FORT WAYNE – Fort Wayne Community Schools kicked off its annual Kids Caring & Sharing fundraising event Wednesday for Riley Hospital for Children at Wayne High School.
The fundraiser, in its fifth year, encourages kids throughout the district to give at least $1 to the Indianapolis hospital, according to organizers.
If the district raises at least $1 per student in the district, then it earns “Miracle Corporation” status.
Last year, the district raised $28,453, with two-thirds of schools reaching their goal and seven collecting more than $1,000 each.
FWCS officials also used the occasion to introduce Andrew Armstrong, a freshman at New Tech Academy at Wayne.
In November, Armstrong was named a Riley Champion for his inspirational bravery and commitment to help others.
Armstrong, 15, was 9 months old when he was flown to Riley with serious liver and kidney complications, he said.
He received a kidney transplant at age 8 and now regularly returns to the hospital for checkups.
“I am so blessed to call Riley my second home,” he said. “It saved my life.”
As part of the Riley Champions Program, Armstrong will travel throughout the state telling his story and raising awareness for the hospital.
The yearly fundraiser is a special project of the Indiana Association of School Principals to support Riley Children’s Foundation.
Last year, the program raised more than $1 million from 646 schools throughout the state, according to Susan Miles, Kids Caring & Sharing officer. FWCS is the largest district to participate.
Miles said the funds collected go to the hospital’s most urgent needs.
Most FWCS schools participate in the fundraiser, which the district calls Hearts for Riley, in February, though some schools have already completed their campaigns.
People who aren’t affiliated with FWCS can drop off donations at any district building, including Grile Administrative Center at 1200 S. Clinton St. The drive runs through the end of the year.
“It really promotes ownership for kids,” Miles said of the campaign. “They’re empowered to help others.”
