A 43 Year Tradition of Raising Money to Help Others

Hundreds of Keith Valley Middle School eighth grade students played floor hockey for 14 hours straight in the largest Make-A-Wish Foundation student fundraiser in the country. The event, The Keith Valley Challenge, marks the 43rd year students have been rallying for a great cause. The 325 students who participated raised $51,103 and donations are still coming in.

The Keith Valley Challenge began in 1977 in memory of eighth-grade student Billy Whitehead who passed away from rare congenital heart disease. Following his death, administrators, faculty, staff, and students sponsored a floor hockey marathon and pledged to raise money for charity. In 1981, the marathon changed its name to The Keith Valley Challenge. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has been the recipient of the challenge for several years.

“This is a fun event that does so much good. I appreciate the enthusiasm of our students, their hard work and tireless efforts, all of which have made The Keith Valley Challenge so successful. Also, hats off to staff, parents and the community for their support,” said Keith Valley Middle School Vice Principal John Ewerth.

The Keith Valley Challenge was held February 22, 2019, from 10 a.m. until midnight. To date, the event has raised more than $1 million.