Both the Green River and Rock Springs communities came together to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation this year.
Amanda Santhuff, Green River High School student council sponsor, said for the second year in a row, the communities were able to reach $48,000.
“Our communities chose to divide the money two ways. First, we had one grand total that included the money from businesses; and our second total we competed based on what each school raised within the schools, excluding business checks,” Santhuff said.
Green River raised just more than $21,000, including the $1,000, which was donated by local businesses.
“Our total alone will grant three wishes, and together we will grant seven,” she said.
These amounts were more than the communities thought they were going to raise given the status of Sweetwater County’s current economic status, which includes a slump in the oil and gas industry.
“I thought it would have an impact, however we raised around the same as last year between both communities,” she said. “I think we saw more of an impact last year in our total.”
During the last two weeks, both communities hosted numerous events to promote the fundraiser. One of the most well-attended events was the co-ed volleyball and dodgeball matches that took place. This event also turned out to be the students’ favorite event, she said.
“I think that students learned that hard work and dedication pays off, and that no matter the winning total we all grant wishes and that is what matters in the end,” Santhuff said. “I tell my council all the time, the child who gets to live his wish doesn’t know if the school won or lost, they know that they get a moment of happiness.”
Not only does the event raise money, that provides wishes to kids in the Make-A-Wish program, it teaches the students about the importance of community service and giving to others, she said.
“I hope that they take away the pride of raising that amount of money in two weeks and donating it to a great foundation,” she said. “I also hope that they look at the peers as supportive and giving as well.”
“I have a truly amazing support system and student council at GRHS,” Santhuff said.
She also wanted to thank all the people who came to the game in the spirit of Make-A-Wish, including the Green River crowd, the basketball teams, the sheerleaders and the dance team. She said they all looked great wearing their Make-A-Wish T-shirts.
Santhuff wanted to give a special thanks to PMS Screen Printing, Solvay, China Garden, State Farm, Ciner, and Green River Cable for generous donations.
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