G-O-A-L! Healthy Soccer Fundraiser Scores more than $3,000
by Trenton, NJ — Trenton Daylight/Twilight High School students recently scored more than $3,000 for Class of 2019 activities in the first annual “Trenton United” student soccer tournament healthy fundraiser at the Capitol City Sports Complex. (See photos)
“We created a culture of health for the community, for students and staff,” said Micah Freeman, Supervisor of Nurses & Chair of the District Wellness Council.
Pamela Kelly, Daylight/Twilight school nurse and key organizer of the event, called the tournament a “win-win.” Not only did the tournament raise far more than traditional fund-raisers featuring high-calorie doughnuts, cupcakes and candy bars, but it also got students out exercising and having fun.
The soccer tournament included four teams and about 80 students and friends, coached by Pamela Kelly, Marion Carlin, Alexis Lozano, Deidre Fabish, Amy Scott and Mamadou Bamba. Team Carlin finished in first place. Varsity soccer coaches Joe Fink and Anthony Carsella, and JV coach Reggie Murray participated, along with several varsity players as referees.
The event was part of Trenton Health Team’s partnership with Trinity Health on the Transforming Communities Initiative, a multi-million dollar, five-year population health effort addressing policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change and social determinants of health.
“The Trenton United tournament is a model for other schools and youth groups,” said Elena Cromeyer, project director for the Transforming Communities Initiative.
Trenton Health Team is eager to partner with other community- and faith-based organizations, corporate sponsors and schools to promote events where all students can participate in a fun exercise-based event to raise funds for school activities, she said. “We want to support schools in moving toward more healthy fund-raisers and away from junk food sales.”
Principal Ronald Edwards and Vice Principal Laura Martin said the event’s success proves these healthy fund-raisers are a better choice. And students already are requesting similar events for other sports, such as basketball.
The tournament was sponsored by Trinity Health, St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton Health Team, Capital Health, The BUILD Health Challenge, JJ Markey Electrical Inc., American Heart Association, Thin Crust Pizza, Pamela Kelly, and Micah Freeman.
The event was also supported by the Philadelphia Union professional soccer team, which donated merchandise.
Daylight/Twilight is a four-year comprehensive public high school serving both traditional high school students, as well as over-aged & under-credit students and adult learners seeking ninth through twelfth grade credits to attain a NJ High School Diploma. Daylight/Twilight offers alternatives learning opportunities, including evening and online classes.
