The students at Christ the King Elementary School in Morrell Park raised more than $1,500 for Special People In Northeast Inc. during the school’s 11th annual Crazy Hat Day on Friday.
The event is organized by Phyllis Hoffman, who taught physical education at the school for 28 years. She is a SPIN trustee, and her daughter Pamela is a client.
SPIN’s Megan Forrestal-Stalker, Natalie Cross and Amy Crichlow visited the school to speak to students and thank them for their efforts.
“Not only does this bring awareness, but it shows children the true meaning of community,” said Forrestal-Stalker, SPIN’s director of events and organizational development.
Hoffman explained that the project used to coincide with April Fools’ Day.
This year, the event followed SPIN’s first Possibilities in the Park 5K, which raised more than $40,000, thanks in part of primary sponsor Independence Blue Cross.
Students pay $1 per chance to win 30 gifts in a raffle. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Walker Lodge 306 sponsored the gifts.
Hoffman said the money will go to a good cause, adding that students learn a valuable lesson.
“This is their community. They should be as charitable as possible,” she said.
Fourth-graders marked Earth Day by creating hats from recycled materials and designed their own T-shirts.
All participants were allowed to dress down for Crazy Hat Day.
“This is something the kids look forward to. It’s a fun way to raise money,” said Sister Trudy, principal for the last 24 years.
Sister Trudy said she will make arrangements for seventh-graders to visit SPIN’s Norcom Community Center. ••
