Annual KV Challenge a Huge Success for Make-A-Wish

This past Friday marked the 43rd annual KV Challenge, a 14-hour floor hockey marathon held by the 8th graders of Keith Valley Middle School. The KV Challenge is the largest middle school fundraiser of its kind in the United States and has raised over $1,100,000 in charity donations over its 43-year existence.

The event began in 1977 in memory of an 8th grade student, Billy Whitehead, who passed away from a rare congenital heart defect. Ever since, the fundraiser has been a major milestone for KVMS 8th graders and a source of pride for both Keith Valley Middle School and Hatboro-Horsham community.

KV Challenge floor hockey teams in action

The KV Challenge raises both funds and awareness for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, which is focused on granting the wish of every child with a critical illness. On average, Make-A-Wish grants a child's wish every 34 minutes. This year KV Challenge raised $47,643 for the cause.

This year's top student fundraisers were:

- Kaitlyn Harrington: $3,175
- Zachary Ibrahim: $1,130
- Gage Malone: $1,090

The top student fundraising teams were:

- Mossy Green Snakes: $4,068
- Maroon Mountain Lions: $2,635
- Slate Countertops: $2,635

Members of KV Challenge's top fundraising team Mossy Green Snakes

Keith Valley Middle School Eighth Grade Assistant Principal, John Ewerth, previously described what the event means to the school, its students and the Hatboro-Horsham community, saying, "The Challenge is a great tradition here. Our students work hard and play hard to raise funds to help make the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses come true."

Kaitlyn Harrington, the top student fundraiser for this year's event, talked about what KV Challenge means for Keith Valley Middle School, saying, "KV Challenge illustrates how special both our school and community are and the amazing things that can be accomplished when we come together for a great cause like Make-A-Wish."

KV Challenge teams preparing for action

Both the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives unanimously declared Friday, Febrauary 22, 2019 'Keith Valley Challenge Day' across the commonwealth. Dennis Heron, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, Pennsylvania State Senator Maria Collett, Pennsylvania State Representatives Tom Murt and Todd Stevens and St. Joseph's University Head Basketball Coach Cindy Griffin each addressed the KV Challange at the opening ceremonies of the event.