HAUPPAUGE COMMUNITY UNITES TO HELP THOSE IN NEED

The “Oreo Minute-To-Win-It” was just one of the many competitions in Hauppauge School District’s “Battle of the Buildings” fundraiser. Hauppauge High School Junior Samantha Weinstein organized the second annual “Battle of the Buildings” event as part of her International Baccalaureate (IB), Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) project. Weinstein organized the event which was conceptualized by a committee of Care and Share Program representatives from each of the District’s schools: Shannon Griffin from the Hauppauge High School, Jen Kalevas from Hauppauge Middle School, Toby Poveromo from Bretton Woods Elementary School, Lori George from Forest Brook Elementary School and Kerry Malone from Pines Elementary School.

“Battle of the Buildings” brings the Hauppauge community together to watch teachers from all five of the District’s schools compete against one another in fun games and simultaneously raises money for those in need. This year, approximately 1,150 people attended the building vs. building event. A Free-throw Shooting Contest, the Toilet Paper “Hike,” the Oreo Minute-to-Win-It Competition and “Tug-o-War” were among the exciting challenges featured. At the close of the evening, the Pines Elementary School team emerged victorious.

“The fundraiser was created to raise money for the Care and Share Program, which assists Hauppauge families in need by helping pay for necessities such as school trips, supplies and exams, all with the goal of assisting students in attending school fully prepared to succeed,” described Weinstein. “The smiles on all of the children’s faces really helped with the night’s overall success. The joy from the students was matched with enthusiasm from the participating teachers, parents and volunteers.”

“It was extremely gratifying to watch students and parents fill the High School bleachers to cheer on their teachers in this fun building vs. building competition,” stated Weinstein. “More importantly, we were able to raise more than $3,700 for the Care and Share Program due to the generosity of our Hauppauge students and families.”

Photos by Kathy Bottner.