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Show "Be the Change Club" Movie Night Raises $1,851 for Challenge Day pum.-n m.w ' V ' uiiuw mwW j p.iP"w - s This year, over 600 people showed up to support the cause of 'Be the Change Club . phoIO courtesy of Danica Baird On Thursday October 21, Pleasant Grove High School's "Be the Change Club" sold out three movie theatres at the Water Gardens Cinema 6 raising $1,851 to sponsor an upcoming Challenge Day on January 20. This is an all-day event designed to break down barriers, stereotypes, false perceptions, and judgments. Two years ago, Pleasant Grove High School hosted a Challenge Day and over 350 students participated. Senior Kourtney Dinehart's life was changed at Challenge Day. She said, "It really made me realize that you can't judge people, and that you really don't have any idea what people have been through." Last year, the "Be the Change Club" was formed with the goal of hosting another Challenge Day. With the help of former Miss Utah, Whitney Merrifield, they were able to raise thousands of dollars in grants. This year, they approached Water Gardens Cinema 6 owner, Mike Daniels, and asked if he would sponsor them. Daniels eagerly agreed to help. Club President Shawn Gallagher said, "When Mike Daniels was mayor he was involved with the first Challenge Day and helped fund it. So when we approached him with this fund raiser, he already knew about the program and was willing to help us." In a strong gesture of support, Daniels agreed to donate all proceeds from the Thursday October 21, showing of "Despicable Me" directly to the "Be the Change Club." This year, over 600 people showed up to support this cause and "Be the Change Club" was able to raise three times the amount that they had targeted. Gallagher said, "I was completely amazed that so many people turned out." The original plan was to sponsor Challenge Day for only one day which would enable 100 students to participate. ' However, after the incredible support from the community they now hope to raise enough money to hold the event for two days and double student participation. Vice President Eryn Hawes said, "Challenge Day changed my life. I want everybody to be able to have this experience." Anybody who would like to donate to the Challenge Day fund or volunteer at the actual event should contact Ruth Stanton-McAtee at stanr754alpine.kl2.ut.us for more information. |
