Students Make Charitable Contributions with Prize-Winning Essays

“I had tears in my eyes.” “Inspirational.” These were some of the comments made by people who heard four sixth-grade students read their prize-winning essays about why they wanted to donate to four local nonprofit agencies. Each year, the Women’s Club of South County, a local affiliate of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, sponsors a “Spirit of Giving” essay contest intended to help young people learn the joys and benefits of charitable giving. Middle school students write about a 501 (c)(3) charity they want to support, and the club makes it possible by awarding funds ($250 for first place, $200 for second place, and $150 for third place) to the students for presentation to the organizations. The event took place on May 28.

Abigail Babigian, first prize winner, spoke of her family’s experience volunteering with Together We Rise, an organization dedicated to improving children’s experience with foster care. Ben Monaco, whose essay tied for second place, talked about growing up watching his Mimi suffer from worsening Alzheimer symptoms, which prompted his desire to give to the Alzheimer’s Association. Second-place winner Natalie Blue, explained the work of the Elisha Project, a program designed to engage, galvanize, and inspire people to help each other. Sophie Lacombe, third place winner, talked about the South Kingstown Partnership for Prevention, dedicated to the deterrence of substance abuse. Representatives of the groups receiving donations praised the children for their efforts to help local residents in need. Teachers who worked with the winning students at Broad Rock Middle School were also present, each of whom received a cash donation from the WCSC to help with classroom needs. Winning students received gift cards donated by Brickley’s Ice Cream.

The four winners were selected from 215 entries. Chairperson of the essay contest, Theresa Schimmel, noted that the judges faced a daunting task because the essays were so well done. We were “extremely impressed by the time and effort put into the essays and, more importantly, the caring and passion evidenced by the students’ words in writing about the work of their charitable organization and why giving is so important.”

Honorable mention certificates were awarded to seven other students: Libby Dextradeur (Broad Rock Middle School), Alex Greenberg (Narragansett Pier Middle School), Kate Maness (Broad Rock Middle School), Mia McNiece (Broad Rock Middle School), William Peitisch (Broad Rock Middle School), Ava Pickett (Monsignor Clark Middle School), Matilde Soffientino (Broad Rock Middle School). Each received a certificate and a gift card donated by Tony’s Pizza.

The GFWC, Women’s Club of South County is part of an international civic organization where women "Live the Volunteer Spirit" by helping people in need in their local communities. New members are always welcome. For information about the organization, visit www.GFWCRI.org and select South County or view and like the organization on Facebook (GFWC Women’s Club of South County).