In a School-wide effort, Abbey students and house parents rallied throughout the first weeks of December with innovative ways to fundraise for the Clothe-A-Child annual drive. This year the effort was spearheaded by Mikaela Nueva '17, along with faculty advisor Paula Walter, School nurse Pam Gorman and the medical services staff. Since the program began in 1990, $141,597 has been raised by Abbey students, allowing the School to purchase enough winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves and other items to clothe thousands of children in need.
The funds, raised primarily by the students through a wide variety of on-campus, grassroots fundraising initiatives over a two-week period, allowed the School to purchase the clothing for underprivileged youth throughout Newport County and in Fall River, MA, and Central Falls, RI. Students undertake numerous activities to raise as much money as possible for the cause.
Fundraising events this year achieved a total of $6,080.00 and clothed 202 children. Area social services agencies receiving the clothing included the Fall River Salvation Army, the Newport Salvation Army, the Newport Boys and Girls Club and two elementary schools in Central Falls, RI.
St. Aelred's House (a.k.a. the boys of A-town) sold Christmas treats after assembly on December 12, featuring doughnuts, hot cocoa, and coffee to provide mid-Monday cheer to students and faculty before break.
St. Benet's House hosted a Tuck Dance on December 10, with a cover charge at the door and a holiday theme. Ugly Christmas sweaters and Santa hats were encouraged.
St. Brigid's House hosted a make-your-own Dunkin Donuts iced coffee station in the dining hall on December 9. Students were also invited to donate to St. Brigid's to see their friends dye their hair green!
St. Hugh's House hosted a video game tournament on December 11.
St. Leonard's House collected money from the boys in the dorm.
Manor House hosted Taco Tuesday for Clothe-a-Child on December 6, selling Taco Bell tacos, baked goods, sodas, and waters. Building on the popularity of Taco Tuesday, the ladies of Manor House followed with McDonald's chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, fries, homemade baked goods and beverages on December 12.
St. Martin's House hosted a whipped cream pie-in-the-face event after brunch on December 11. Students and faculty donated for the opportunity to "pie" residents of St. Martin's House, or for an additional donation, people were able to "pie" a St. Martin's House house parent. In addition to the boys' taking whipped-cream pie hits, house parents and all-around good sports Derek Gittus and Taylor Esformes each took one for the team.
St. Mary's House hosted a coffeehouse on December 3 in the Student Center. All forms of talent were welcome as the St. Mary's girls enticed participants with, "It may be time to dust off that accordion or polish your standup routine. You are sure to be a hit with the audience!"
This annual fundraiser is included in the year-long dorm-wide quest for the Raven Cup, along with the Headmaster's Run, the Trivia Contest and other fierce campus competitions, culminating in a House winner at the end of each year. The Clothe-A-Child competition was won this year by St. Brigid's House, which displayed the spirit of the season, had a high percentage of participation, demonstrated creativity, and raised significant funds. They are now in first place for the coveted Cup. Stay tuned for updates as the competition continues in Winter Term!
Kudos to Mikaela, the medical services team and to Mrs. Walter for another a great effort this year, and many thanks to the entire Portsmouth Abbey School community, including students, faculty, house parents, current parents and alumni, for your generosity.