Families, teachers, students, and community members came together for the 25th annual All In For Kids fundraiser. Around 200 people showed up to support the 10 separate schools in our district, and it was a huge success! Over $90,000 was raised and went directly to the schools. Shannon Olsen, Site Coordinator at Gig Harbor High School, states, “The goal is to raise as much money as possible to be pumped back into the 10 schools in Peninsula School District.” This year the theme was an evening in Italy. With delicious Italian cuisine, amazing background decorations, music, and even a live opera singer who gave an amazing performance.
Two students gave speeches: Ambrielle Reynolds (11) from Gig Harbor High School and a student from Henderson Bay High School. They both expressed how much the fundraiser and support from the community meant to them and how it has impacted their education and school environment. According to Reynolds, “When I first came to Gig Harbor High School in my sophomore year of high school, I met Shannon. It was her first year at GHHS as well, and she helped me tremendously with finding new friends, finding my way around campus, having an amazing support system, and overall, feeling comfortable in the new environment. Ever since, I always come to Shannon with any problems I have. She is very funny, and I have met some of my best friends from hanging out in her office.” Reynolds believes that every school needs a Shannon. As for the funds raised, the money went toward things like school supplies, technology, and more engaging education for students across the district. It’s great to know that the community did their part and are allowing not only students but also teachers to have more resources in school.
It wasn’t only about the money, though. The event brought families, educators, and students together for a great evening, and it really showed how willing the community was to help each other. Everyone did their part to pitch in and made the evening in Italy a special one, and you could really feel and see how much people care about the students and their future.
One of the things that the funds have allowed Gig Harbor High School to do is hold the student store during lunches. We have the ability to sell drinks like lemonade, Red Bull spritzers, and a variety of other drinks. They also sell food like gum, chips, candy, and more. Without the generous donations from the community, our school and district wouldn’t be able to hold programs like this for the students. According to Elise Parkinson (10), “Working in the student store is great because I love seeing all the happy faces in the student store when people get what they want.”