Giving back is one of the core understandings that kids first start to learn about money, spending, savings and investing. It isn’t always easy for kids to grasp the concept of giving back, but a new program is helping them understand the importance. Give Back Galesburg was formed by a group of volunteers to help raise funds for the OSF HealthCare Kleine Pediatric Wellness Center. Give Back Galesburg supports our Galesburg youth in learning about the importance of philanthropy and how they can get involved in giving back now.
The Give Back Galesburg group consists of lead volunteer Laurie Aten with the help of Liz Miller, Tricia Thomas, Meg Carl, Susan Hayes and Barb Baker.
Students in Galesburg District 205 recently hosted various activities to help raise money for Give Back Galesburg. A total of $8,388 was raised for the OSF HealthCare Kleine Pediatric Wellness Center. All elementary, junior high and middle schools and the high school participated in a “Be the Change” coin collection challenge. The group also sold gold T-shirts to be worn at the gold-out Silver Streaks boys’ basketball game on January 27. Give Back Galesburg volunteers organized door prizes and a live auction at the game to raise additional dollars.
Sponsorships from Aten North Financial Planning, Brighter Life Bookshoppe, Century 21, Cooks & Co, Dame Fine Coffee, F&M, Hawkins Farms, Hinchcliff-Pearson-West, Nutrition on Main, Office Specialist, Inc., Watson Thomas Funeral Home and the Knox County YMCA also helped with the efforts!
When summing up the first Give Back Galesburg events, Liz Miller stated, “This was the light of what is right in the town of Galesburg and county of Knox. We are only getting started!”
The money raised will go towards programs and services provided by the OSF Kleine Pediatric Wellness Center. “As we continue to fundraise, additional dollars will allow us to look at expanding current services or starting new ones for our pediatric population,” said Stephanie Hilten, major gift officer for OSF HealthCare. “Project Fit America at Silas Willard and Reach Out and Read are both examples of programs funded through the Kleine Pediatric Wellness Center.”
Give Back Galesburg hopes to continue growing the gold-out night each year and will start looking at additional ways for the students to continue giving back. Not just monetarily, but by connecting them with a mentoring program.
Give Back Galesburg is always looking for partners. If you are interested in learning more about Give Back Galesburg, you can contact Stephanie Hilten at the OSF Foundation at (309) 344-3161, ext. 64450.