Students at Massapequa High School were recognized today by New York State Assemblyman Joseph Saladino for participating in the
seventh annual Charity Champions program from Optimum Community that promotes volunteerism and encourages area high schools to raise funds for a charity of their choice. The school was presented with $1,000 to be donated to Winthrop University Hospital’s Cancer Center for Kids, the students’ charity of choice.
Following opening remarks from students speaking about their fundraising efforts, Optimum Community emcee Shawna Ryan discussed Massapequa High School’s participation in the Charity Champions program. Assemblyman Saladino then commended students on their charitable efforts and a representative from Winthrop University Hospital’s Cancer Center for Kids was presented with a $1,000 check. Following the check presentation, students participated in their “Catch a Wave” fundraiser with the gym transformed into a beach. There were raffles, beach-themed items for sale, a rock concert performed by Massapequa High School students, face painting, and more.
“It is a terrible thing when anyone finds out they have cancer, but even more so when a child is diagnosed,” said Saladino. “And it’s facilities like the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop University Hospital that offer state-of-the-art care, along with compassion and nurturing, to the young patients and their families. It’s also young people like those participating here today who make a difference in other people’s lives. I applaud their efforts and also Optimum Community for bringing this program to our schools.”
“Through its ongoing Charity Champions program, Optimum Community continues to provide high school students with an opportunity to help those in need and better realize the importance of giving back,” said Jennifer Ostrager, Cablevision vice president of public affairs. “We congratulate the students at Massapequa High School for their participation.”
For the seventh year, Optimum Community is bringing its Charity Champions program to high schools within its service footprint. Selected schools receive $500 in seed money to put towards fundraising efforts, in addition to a $1,000 donation to their charity of choice. Throughout the school year, students raise money and awareness for their selected charity and submit a summary of fundraising results in April 2015. Schools compete against each other and a grand prize winner in each of the tri-state regions that Optimum serves will receive an additional $5,000 for their charity.
