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Students lead way with fundraising
(by Nikki Adelman/ Correspondent - August 20, 2008)
During a recent town meeting, Alexi Corham, who will be a sophomore at Montville Township High School this fall, proposed to the town board, a “MontvilleOpoly” fundraiser project. Alexi’s project proposal is to put together an adaptation of the “classic” board game, Monopoly. Local businesses would be able to purchase a property space, a “Fate” card, or sponsor the play money. People from town would be able to buy their own MontvilleOpoly board for around $20.
The proceeds of the project would benefit Kibera, the largest slum in Africa that sits just outside of Nairobi. The population of this makeshift city is estimated at more than a million people. The organization that would receive the funding is Watoto wa Lwanga, a non-profit children’s organization created in 1991. By establishing schools and rehabilitating street children, Watoto wa Lwanga has transformed the lives of thousands of children in Africa’s many slums.
Money raised through Alexi’s project is expected to build a new library and expand the vocational center so that the training programs can include girls.
The Township Committee seemed very impressed by Alexi’s project. Alexi, who attributes her interest in Kibera to her aunt, desires to begin fundraising for her project this summer. She hopes to be able to help build a library and school in Kibera, Kenya and to generate township and community pride. Anyone who has further questions, can contact Alexi at TownshipPride08@yahoo.com.
Also at the meeting, Michael Breznak and Cedar Hill elementary school were recognized for their battery-recycling program. In just two months, they recycled more than 500 batteries. Additionally, Valley View elementary school’s fifth-grade class was recognized for its food pantry donation. The class collected funds over the year and ended up making a remarkable $2,000 donation.
Mayor Deborah Nielson called the fundraisers “above and beyond,” and honored the fundraisers with a plaque and a certificate of recognition.
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