iJAG Students Lead Fundraiser for Stead Family Children’s Hospital: Empowering Change in the Community
The iJAG students at Ottumwa High School have once again demonstrated their leadership and commitment to making a difference in their community. Through hard work, dedication, and fundraising, the students raised a total of $5,907 for the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, a cause close to their hearts.
The Journey to Helping Children and Families
The decision to focus on raising funds for children’s cancer came after a difficult search for a local family to support. Instead, the students decided to partner with the Stead Family Children’s Hospital, where they could make a broader impact on children and families in need. Working closely with Representative Hans Wilz and Dr. David Dickens, Clinical Director of Pediatric Oncology Services, the students learned they could contribute to the general fund account, which helps cover the costs of transportation for families traveling to and from the hospital, supports research that benefits future patients, and contributes to ongoing education for doctors.
A Variety of Fundraising Efforts
To raise awareness and funds, the students organized several activities and events, including selling baked goods, custom-designed t-shirts, and different-sized paper ribbons. Not only did the activities help the students achieve their goals, but they also gave them an opportunity to practice the skills they’ve learned in the iJAG classroom as they had conversations with local businesses and community members.
In addition to these fundraising efforts, the students also had a large presence at Ottumwa’s last home football game of the season – the Gold Out Game – which served as a pivotal moment to raise awareness. Brochures, flyers, and donation buckets were distributed at the game, and radio stations and news outlets helped publicize the cause. The students also visited schools to talk about the fundraiser in their iJAG classes, spreading the message further.
The Rewarding Experience of Giving Back
Presenting the check to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital was a moment of immense pride for the students. The energy and excitement were profound as they saw firsthand the impact their efforts had on supporting families in need. Students shared that it felt empowering to know that their hard work would help families get the resources they need to support their children’s care.
Beyond the fundraising success, the students learned important life lessons throughout the process. One of the key takeaways was the power of setting goals and persevering, even when faced with challenges. These valuable lessons extend beyond the fundraiser. The students learned that community support is essential to achieving big goals and that each small success builds momentum for future projects.
Learn more about the Ottumwa iJAG program in this article from the Ottumwa Courier, calling it the “Best-kept secret for developing well-rounded leaders.”