News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Rikki Glick and Amanda Perry measure financial progress. photo by Rongi Yost
In just one month the students at Sisters High School raised $4,687 for their new Sparrow, three-and-a-half-year-old Carl Shelton who has a brain tumor.
Rhino Ranch & Realty was the club sponsor and put up $2,560 in seed money. Students put in community service at $10 per hour to earn those funds for Carl. Rhino Ranch & Realty challenged the students and offered to pay $1,000 extra to Carl and his family if students reached their 256 hours within one month. The student body was up to the challenge and met the deadline, resulting in $3,560.
Two other endeavors raised money for Carl. A penny drive was set up as a class competition for a one-month period of time and students raised $616 from that effort.
A "buck a bead" sale was held in the commons area where students and staff were able to purchase beads for $1 each. The beads were placed on a 'courage necklace' for Carl.
The effort raised $93.
Many students donated cash (a total of $168) if they were unable to perform community service. Finally, the Leadership class kicked in $250 for a grand total of $4,687 to be given to Carl and his family.
Seeing Carl first-hand at a special Sparrow Club assembly and hearing his touching story motivated students to do all they could in assisting with Carl's rising medical expenses.
This past January, Trevor and Kristie Shelton noticed that Carl was not walking normally for a toddler. They thought perhaps he had an ear infection that was affecting his balance. The Sheltons took Carl to the doctor and were shocked to find Carl had a brain tumor the size of an orange growing at the base of his brain stem.
Surgery to remove the tumor was done toward the latter part of January. The roots of the tumor were so close to the spinal cord the doctors were unable to remove them all so there is a possibility the tumor will grow back.
Carl has to have CAT scans every six weeks and his parents need to monitor his behavior and look for signs of excessive tiredness, irritability, dizziness, listlessness and swelling of the head.
Sparrow clubs were founded to help families in just such circumstances.
Ann Moran, regional consultant for the Central Oregon Sparrow Clubs said, "Sisters High School was one of our best assemblies. It was one of the few where the kids put it on themselves. They invited their sponsor (Dick Reinertson of Rhino Ranch & Realty) and really showed him their enthusiasm for Sparrow Clubs and helping Carl.
"He (Reinertson) was so impressed by the students' enthusiasm and excitement to help Carl that he offered them the extra $1,000 if they met their goal in a month. He was just bowled over by the assembly," added Moran.
Moran told The Nugget that Trevor (Carl's father) was looking out at the student body when student Lauren Statton asked her peers the question, "Who would be willing to give one hour of time to help Carl?" Trevor said that before Stratton finished the question many students had already risen to their feet acknowledging they would help. Moran said Trevor was overwhelmed, became choked up and felt tears come to his eyes as he looked out in amazement at the many students willing to give of their time and effort to help a child they didn't even know.
Moran said, "I just can't tell you how impressed I am by what the students at SHS have done for their Sparrow. They took Carl into their hearts and have already made a huge difference in the family's life."
When students turned in their community service vouchers they were asked to comment on what helping Carl meant to them. Following are just a couple of the many responses.
"I am just happy to be able to help someone in such an unfortunate situation. It feels good to make a difference, even a small one."
"I found Carl's story very touching and thought I could help. Individually, I know we aren't much help, but as a school I think we can make a difference in Carl's life."
When Sparrow Club advisor Kristy Rawls finished adding up the community service hours she was astounded to find the students were over their allotted number by at least 160 hours.
These hours will be given to another school and will go to help another Sparrow.
The Sparrow Club has a talent show fund-raiser planned for Friday, April 9. Winners from SHS will go on to compete at a regional talent show sometime in May. Everyone is encouraged to attend. All funds raised will go to Carl.
For more information call 549-4045.
Reader Comments(0)