$12K Raised For Make-A-Wish At Keith Valley Challenge

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —For 48 years, the Keith Valley Challenge has kids helping kids.

And this year was no different.

The eighth-grade class at Keith Valley Middle School recently raised $12,162 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, having fun and honoring tradition.

Each year, the eighth graders play floor hockey and other games to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Students play for kids who have critical illnesses and the $12,162 raised will help grant more wishes for children in the area.

“Today’s a very special day at Keith Valley. It’s been 48 years of kids helping kids,” Principal Jon Kircher said.

The Keith Valley Challenge began in 1977 in memory of eighth-grade student Billy Whitehead,
who passed away from a rare congenital heart disease.

Following his death, administrators, faculty, staff, and students sponsored a floor hockey marathon and pledged to raise money for charity to honor his memory.

To date, the event has raised more than $1.1 million.

During the kickoff assembly, students heard from wish kid, Ali Gilbert, and her mom, Susan
Gilbert. Ali, a 10-year-old at Spring-Ford Middle School, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2020,
while also dealing with the trauma that came with the COVID-19 pandemic.

About a year-and-a-half into treatment, a social worker visited Ali’s hospital room to tell her she
was eligible for a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“For the families that have to go through these medical nightmares, wish trips and experiences
are truly a light in the darkness,” Susan Gilbert said.

Ali chose to go to Disney World and her wish was granted in January 2023. Ali shared her
favorite memories of her trip, including eating ice cream for breakfast and going through the
Lightning Lane for every ride.

Students also heard remarks from State Rep. Nancy Guenst, State Sen. Maria Collett, and Cara Feldman, vice president of development for the Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and the Susquehanna Valley.

“We hope that the impact of the KV Challenge and doing something for others will set you on a
course for life where you value giving to others and receive the happiness that comes from your
generosity,” said Eighth Grade Assistant Principal John Ewerth.

After the assembly at Keith Valley, students were bussed to the high school to play hours of
floor hockey, kickball, volleyball, tennis baseball, and various indoor and outdoor games.

“There are so many things that you do to make us proud,” said Superintendent Scott Eveslage
to students. “But there are very few things that make us more proud than when you improve the
lives of others and give back.”

Students play soccer as one of the many games during the Keith Valley Challenge.

Keith Valley Middle School Principal Jon Kircher and State Sen. Maria Collett pose with a certificate of recognition.

(Photos Courtesy of the Hatboro-Horsham School District)