40 Years + 17 Hours = The Largest Fundraiser of Its Kind in the U.S. At Keith Valley Middle School

Hundreds of Keith Valley Middle School eighth graders have committed to playing more than 17 hours of indoor floor hockey in the largest Make-A-Wish Foundation student fundraiser in the country. This year marks a milestone for the all-night charity event---the Keith Valley Challenge has been going strong for 40 years! The marathon kicks-off at 2 p.m., Friday, March 11 and wraps-up at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 12.

It is also a milestone because Keith Valley anticipates that this year’s event will break the $1 million mark for the total funds raised over its 40-year history.

The Keith Valley Challenge began in 1977 in memory of an eighth- grade student who passed away from a rare congenital heart defect. Following his death, administrators, faculty, staff and students sponsored a floor hockey marathon and pledged to raise money for charity. Since then, the event has taken on a life of its own. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has been the recipient of the fundraiser for several years, supporting the wishes of children residing in the Greater Philadelphia area, including the Hatboro-Horsham community.

“We are proud and appreciative of the effort, enthusiasm and commitment put forth by Keith Valley students over the years,” said Keith Valley Middle School Principal Jonathan Kircher.

Prior to the Challenge, students build the level of pre-event excitement by creating posters, designing uniform and undertaking other activities that culminates when the puck drops and the Challenge begins.

“Although our students have a great time participating in this effort, more importantly, they learn the value of caring and helping others,” noted Eighth-Grade Assistant Principal John R. Ewerth.

Students are required to raise a minimum of $80 to participate and proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. To date, the Keith Valley Challenge has raised over $945,000, which has helped a number of charities over the years. This year’s fundraising should break the $1 million mark thanks to the generous support of donors. If you would like to make a donation, please go to: http://tinyurl.com/ho9vxt7

Keith Valley Middle School is located at 227 Meetinghouse Road, Horsham.

Photos are from Keith Valley Challenge 2015