The Goddard School in Independence Celebrates Birthday by Giving Back

School hosted four fundraising events to support the Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland

While many celebrate birthdays with presents and party hats, The Goddard School located in Independence chose to kick off its 8th anniversary with a series of fundraising events to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland.

Students, families and staff at The Goddard School in Independence collected pop tabs, auctioned off students' artwork, organized a holiday wish list collection and hosted a retailer basket silent auction for the community. In total, the school raised $3,075.

"At the Goddard School, we believe it's important to teach our children to be responsible and compassionate leaders," said Paula Beverage, owner of The Goddard School in Independence. "Our partnership with the Ronald McDonald House was the perfect opportunity to get our students involved and teach them the importance of giving back to their community."

The work of The Goddard School in Independence is part of a national fundraising initiative to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Goddard Systems, Inc., franchisor of The Goddard School, is contributing a gift of $25,000 to RMHC to help families in need. Goddard's almost 400 sister schools are also fundraising to support their local chapters. In total, the schools hope to raise $250,000 nationwide.

Proceeds from fundraising activities at The Goddard School in Independence will be used to help fund an expansion of the Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland, allowing the organization to serve an additional 17 families per night. Ronald McDonald House program provides a "home-away-from-home" for local families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost.

For more information, visit www.goddardschool.com.