Charity Brings Pro Wrestlers To Middle School In Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — World Wrestling Entertainment performer Darren Young and brand ambassador Dana Warrior came to Elm Place Middle School in Highland Park Thursday as part of a promotional event connected to the North American version of the Red Nose Day fundraising campaign. The students put on red noses and learned ways to raise money for the group. The campaign said it will promote Elm Place on its website and in its social media to inspire other schools.

“Red Nose Day has given our students a great opportunity to learn about child poverty in an engaging way," said Heather Schumacher, Principal of the Elm Place Middle School. "It was amazing to see the students being so enthusiastic and creative about how they can fundraise and take direct action to make a difference for kids in need. It’s been such a great experience to host Dana, Darren, and the Red Nose Day team at our school today.”

The Red Nose Day in School program focuses on educating students about child poverty, as well as "empowering and inspiring them to make a difference." Students at participating schools have learned of the impact of child poverty and how they can help fight it.

As part of Thursday's event, Elm Place students conducted potential fundraising activities such as donating for the opportunity to pie a teacher in the face. During a school-wide assembly the professional wrestling representatives shared facts about poverty with students.

The national charity campaign is organized by nonprofit organization Comic Relief. The UK-based version of the fundraiser supports children in poverty globally, including in the developing world. The U.S. version of the campaign aims to fight child poverty domestically.

Beneficiary organizations from the U.S. Red Nose Day Fund include the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, charity: water, The Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, National Council of La Raza, Save the Children and The Global Fund.

“Red Nose Day is all about coming together to have fun and make a difference. Our mission is to end child poverty – one nose at a time," said Comic Relief VP Rick Scott. "It was amazing to see the students at Elm Place Middle School getting in on the fun of Red Nose Day, and being so committed to making a difference.”

The 2017 Red Nose Day campaign runs until May 25.

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Photos | (Top, from left) Darren Young and Dana Warrior at Elm Place Middle School April 27 | Courtesy Comic Relief