Halloween haunted hallways, movie nights, dance marathons, pumpkin painting and eating Chick-fil-A breakfast biscuits are some of the activities funding Brookwood High’s charitable giving. Those efforts recently set a new benchmark when the school broke its previous donation record to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with a $37,000 contribution.
The gift is the latest from the Snellville school that has established itself as a philanthropic powerhouse. Since its determination to support community and regional causes took root around 2014, the school has been on a steady climb as part of its “March to $1 Million” campaign.
“That was the year the student government initiated a challenge to donate $100,000,” said Principal Bo Ford Jr. “We challenged ourselves to carry that forward to $1 million, and we’re almost at $900,000. We thought it would take 10 years, but we’re ahead of schedule.”
The funds go to organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Relay for Life and CHOA. That gift was raised from a fall haunted house and a dance marathon that’s been an annual school event for more than a decade.
Credit for the successful events goes to the students leading the effort, said Student Government Association advisor John Chvatal.
“What got it going was not the administration or teachers; this was started by kids in school,” he said. “It was students who kept pushing for it. They know they’re part of something bigger than themselves, and they’re helping the community – and not just the Brookwood community. That’s been very cool to see.”
Participation among the 3,900 students is strong, said SGA Executive President Iris Smith.
“At our first SGA meeting, we had about 10% of the school attend,” she said. “We consistently have about 200 members.”
This year, the SGA added more fundraising events, including an outdoor movie night on the practice field that brought in families from across the community, a homecoming parade and a walk-a-thon where participants sported tacky holiday sweaters. Students have made videos to promote their efforts and solicited support from families, alums and distant friends through online donations.
“It’s really rewarding,” said Smith. “We’re doing things that impact people in ways we can see. And everything we do is fun.”
Who’s doing good? Each week, we write about a deserving individual, charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To suggest an event or person for us to cover, contact us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com.
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