Riley Kids Caring & Sharing Update

Susan Miles Officer, Kids Caring & Sharing TM Riley Children’s Foundation

Celebrating our Next Generation Philanthropists

Eleven outstanding graduating seniors were selected in the sixth annual class of Riley Children’s Foundation’s Next Generation Philanthropists. Out of the thousands of students participating in Riley fundraising efforts across the state, we are proud to recognize these students for their significant contributions and commitment to serving the children and families who need Riley Children’s Health.

■ Boonville High School – Markie Lance, principal Mike Whitten

■ Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School – Jimmy Dapp, principal Gregory VanSlambrook

■ Carmel High School – Alexis Clark, Allison Wolf and Samantha Schleeter, principal Tim Phares

■ Fishers High School – Alaina Koley, principal Jason Urban

■ Seymour High School – Brandon Rodriguez-Salas, principal Greg Prange

■ University High School – Mena Morcos, principal Alicia LaMagdeleine

■ Westfield High School – Abigail Pahls, Laura Shupe and Lila James, principal Alicia Denniston

Thank you to the school administrators who make it possible for Indiana K-12 students to develop leadership skills and exercise their passion for service.

The Best of KCS 2022-2023

Indiana K-12 students and school staff certainly put the “fun” in fundraising this year! We are busy processing the many gifts arriving before the June 30 recognition deadline and the accompanying notes show that there is no lack of imagination when it comes to school efforts and incentives. I mention here just a few schools doing amazing things to support Riley kids and families.

Peifer Elementary (District 1) and Akron Elementary (District 2) administrators and Riley coordinators spent some time on school rooftops when their school families exceeded their fundraising goals. Special precautions were needed for an overnight rooftop stay for one administrator who sleepwalks!

South Central Elementary (District 2) students and staff enjoyed a high-decibel pie-in-the-face celebration after more than doubling their debut 2021-2022 KCS gift and securing over $15,600. That’s nearly $35 per student!

Madison Elementary (District 2) hosted not one, but two Riley bike-a-thons in a calendar year to accommodate pandemic scheduling blips and the Ride to Riley bike riders, representing Schmucker Middle School (District 2), North Side Middle School (District 2) and St Thomas the Apostle School (District 2), saluted their school’s Riley support with their annual 2-day bike ride from Mishawaka to Indy.

Grissom Middle School’s (District 2) Riley Trivia Night returned to accompany their Hoops for Riley and Walk for Riley fundraisers while Penn High School (District 2) hosted their first Turkey Legs competition.

Student ceramic artists at Concord Community High School (District 2) participated in the 24th annual Potter’s Marathon raising an amazing $36,000 to exceed $500,000 in total giving! Even the superintendent and some school board members tried their hand at “centering clay” during the 24-hour pottery creation marathon.

Fifteen North Side High School (District 3) staff members laced up their dancing shoes to join student dancers and choreographers for the annual Dancing with the North Side Stars Showcase in April, including a cameo appearance from the school principal. The Legends raised $7,000 for the kids at Riley.

MSD Bluffton Harrison (District 3) secured their 16th consecutive Red Wagon Corporation title with all schools achieving Red Wagon status ($1 per student). Bluffton-Harrison is the only school corporation in the state to have achieved this participation level every year since the recognition began in 2007-2008.

Terre Haute North High School (District 8) raised more than $47,000 through both Dance Marathon and Tackle Cancer fundraising initiatives. With nearly all Vigo County Schools participating in Riley fundraising activities this year (gifts still coming in as of this writing), the corporation has raised their highest cumulative gift for Riley exceeding $64,000.

Indianapolis North Central High School (District 7) hosted another successful online Riley campaign in 2022-2023 raising more than $45,000 while Clay Middle School (District 5) secured nearly $14,000 online for Riley.

Wapahani High School (District 6) and Columbus Signature Academy at Central Middle School (District 9) both hosted Riley carnivals as part of their awareness building and fundraising campaigns earning $3,291 and $8,100 respectively.

Schools enjoyed spirit weeks, staff jeans days, hat days, movie nights, coin wars, concession sales, Riley Miracle Minute bucket passes, Grandparents’ Day photo booths, dodgeball tournaments, dances and so much more – all in the name of kids who need the special pediatric healthcare that only a comprehensive children’s research hospital like Riley can provide.

If your school is planning to sponsor a Riley Red Wagon with your gift this year, please submit your $4,000+ gift before June 30 as sponsorship in 2023-2024 rises to $5,000! Make your check(s) payable to the Riley Children’s Foundation and send to:

Riley Children’s Foundation

Attn: KCS/Susan Miles

P.O. Box 3356

Indianapolis, IN 46204-3356

Thank you for your enthusiastic and dedicated efforts to provide for Indiana’s children.