Headbands for Hearts; Bows for Babies
By: Casey Hamilton
How do you turn a school project into a major charitable fundraiser for a worthy cause? Just ask Jamie Pauley, Monica Schwender, and Greysee Whiteker, 5th grade students at Deer Park Elementary School. After their teachers, Mischelle Falloway, Alex Haynes, and Amanda Blythe challenged the 5th grade students to an assignment that required them to give back to their community and that must be centered on health and wellness, these three girls chose to raise money for the March of Dimes organization. However, they didn’t realize the impact their choice would make or the money they would be able to raise.
Other Deer Park 5th graders are making and selling monogrammed blankets, duct tape bags and water bottles, bungee cord and rainbow loom bracelets, or volunteering in some capacity in the community for organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Kosair’s Childrens Hospital, or the ALS Association. But Jamie, Greysee and Monica have decided to sell headbands and bows. Using fabrics that range from trendy chevron patterns or bright floral motifs to sports team logos, the trio hand make each product. With financial support from their parents, Cathy and Kevin Pauley, Brooke Whiteker, and Frank and Christine Schwender, who assists with her sewing expertise, the girls have managed to raise almost $1,000 so far, with time left to raise even more money until the deadline for the project in early March. The girls have even considered continuing the project until the school year’s end.
These entrepreneurial young ladies chose to support the March of Dimes organization, whose mission is “to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality,” partly because of the work that Greysee’s grandmother, Debbie McCollam, does as a nurse in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at Owensboro Regional Health. Because of this connection, Greysee knows that some babies are born too early or with major health concerns and that the March of Dimes always steps in to help.
If you are interested in following the excellent example these girls have set, join in this year’s March for Babies presented by Owensboro Health Pediatric Center whose partners, Drs. Phillips, McGinnis and Shah “will lead the community to encourage everyone to support the March of Dimes’ mission,” according to Amy Nonweiler, the March of Dimes Division Director. Having given birth to 3 premature babies, “Dr. McGinnis considers this a cause that is ‘near and dear to her heart.’”
Families, companies, youth groups, churches and individuals are invited to join the walk which will take place on April 26 at Smothers Park. Teams are encouraged to register by April 1st; however, registration will be taken up until the day of the event. Nonweiler says, “When you walk in the March for Babies, you give hope to babies born too soon each year. The money you raise supports programs in our community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies and fund research to find answers to the problems that threaten our babies.” The day begins with registration at 10:00 AM, followed by the Opening Ceremonies at 10:30, and the walk at 11:00.
On the day of the march, an alternate route will be available for those who are unable to walk the regular two mile route. Lunch will be provided after the walk, and family friendly activities which include music, a bounce house, giveaways, and even a visit from the loveable favorite character, Elmo.
Walkers are the most important aspect of this event. “Without walkers getting donations, our work would not be possible,” says Amy Nonweiler, but because of the money that walkers raise through donations from friends, family members and co-workers, the March of Dimes is serving families who have babies in NICU’s due to premature birth. They are informing women of ways to promote a healthy pregnancy and advocating for these women to get quality health care regardless of their income level.
If you are interested in purchasing headbands or hair bows, please contact Christine Schwender at [email protected] or (901) 921-9282.
For more information about participating in the March for Babies, contact Amy Nonweiler at (270) 683-2410 or (270) 993-7789.
Whether you choose to march on April 26th or support the endeavor that Monica, Graysee, and Jamie have selflessly taken on, the money raised will go toward making a difference for babies in our community.
The girls have managed to raise almost $1,000 so far, with time left to raise even more money until the deadline for the project in early March.