Keith Valley to Host Nation’s Largest Middle School Charity Event

Keith Valley Middle School 8th graders will once again be participating in the KV Challenge on February 22, 2019 in the Keith Valley Middle School gymnasium. The time-honored annual tradition, now in its 43rd edition, is a 14-hour floor hockey marathon that has raised funds for an array of leading charitable organizations over the years.

Currently the KV Challenge is partnered to deliver donations and awareness to 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.

The KV Challenge not only makes a tremendous impact on Make-A-Wish beneficiaries, but also on the Keith Valley students who participate in the event annually. “Ever since 6th grade, I couldn’t wait to be part of this amazing event,” said Allison Gehman, captain for the Kelly green team, “It’s an honor play and help make a child’s wish come true.”

As the largest middle school fundraiser of its kind in the United States, the KV Challenge has raised over $1,000,000 in charity donations over its 42-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 event has been a major milestone for 8th graders and a source of pride for Keith Valley Middle School and Hatboro-Horsham community.

Katie Harrington, captain for the moss green team, spoke about the impact KV Challenge makes, saying, “It is fantastic to be part of an event that has such a deep history for our school and community and makes such a strong impact on an amazing organization like Make-A-Wish and all the incredible kids and families it benefits. It’s a long-lasting part of Keith Valley and a major part of what makes our school truly unique and special.”

Over the years the KV Challenge has been featured across an array of news outlets including The Intelligencer, 6ABC, CBS-3 and Fox 29, to name just a few. The event has also been honored with a Pennsylvania House Resolution declaring a Keith Valley Challenge Day across the Commwealth of Pennsylvania sponsored by Representative Todd Stephens.

Keith Valley Middle School Eighth Grade Assistant Principal, John Ewerth, 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.”

Taylor Hagenkotter, captain of the turquoise squad discussed her excitement for the event, saying, “I’ve been looking forward to participating in the KV Challenge to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation ever since entering Keith Valley back in 6th grade.”

If you are interested in supporting the Keith Valley Middle School 8th graders to meet this year’s KV Challenge for Make-A-Wish you can easily and securely donate online at the KV Challenge Make-A-Wish fundraising page.