Howell’s Senior Survivors smash goal, raise $135K

Following a week of fundraising, reward and immunity challenges, and 17 students living at school for a week, Howell High School’s annual Senior Survivor fundraiser came to a close today. During the week-long fundraiser, the students raised an incredible $135,907.94, surpassing their goal of $100,000  by $35,907.94.

The money raised will be shared between two non-profit organizations, North Star Reach and Julianna’s Wishes.

North Star Reach is a medically-supported camp that serves kids with chronic and life-threatening health challenges and their family members.

Julianna’s Wishes is a charity formed in honor of Julianna Ward-Brown, a member of the Class of 2019 who passed away in a car accident last year. The winner of this year’s Senior Survivor was Chloe Chandler. To date, Senior Survivor has raised more than $485,900, for various charities.

Senior Survivor began Sunday, April 28, when 17 Howell High School seniors moved into the school with the goal of remaining in the competition until Friday. The students collected donations during the day and competed in immunity and reward challenges at night.

Some of the challenges included a food challenge, completing an obstacle course driving a police car through, and a game of human Hungry Hungry Hippos. At the end of each school day, the Senior Survivor contestants who raised the least amount of money that day were eliminated.

“I am speechless at the amount our students have raised for these two organizations. I know that this money will be put to good use by both North Star Reach and Julianna’s Wishes,” said Jason Schrock, Howell High School principal. “Senior Survivor is such a wonderful event that truly brings our students and community together as we rally to support deserving non-profits.”

“We’re tremendously grateful to Howell High School seniors and community for choosing North Star Reach as their “Senior Survivor” charity. This incredibly generous financial support will make a significant contribution toward supporting our efforts to positively impact the lives of children and their families facing serious health challenges,” said Doug Armstrong, North Star Reach Founder & CEO.

This year’s Howell High School Senior Survivors were Chloe Chandler (Team Chlochan), Lexi Garbacik (Team Bacik), Madelyn Gillett (Team Mad Money), Matt Hornyak (Team Matty Freeze), Dawson Kling (Team Kling-kong), Sarah Laughner (Team S’laughter), Isaak Miller (Team Money Mill),  Ben Masters (Team Chicken Master), Shane Morrison (Team Sh’ merica), Kallan Packard (Team Pack-attack), Seth and Sydney Ramonaitis (Team Ramo), Grace Snell (Team Snail), Darko Stavrev (Team D.N.A.), Liam Timmerman (Team Timmerdation), Paige Van Gordon (Team Rage Paige), and Jenna Wincher (Team J-win). Each Senior Survivor was supported by a fifth grade Junior Survivor at one of the district’s elementary schools. The Junior Survivors supported their senior partners by leading a coin drive in their schools. The Junior Survivors raised almost $9,000 to support the fundraising efforts of the seniors.

About North Star Reach

Located on 105 scenic acres of rolling hills and waterfront in Pinckney, Michigan, North Star Reach is a medically-supported camp that serves kids with chronic and life-threatening health challenges and their family members, all at no charge to them.  North Star Reach’s state-of-the-art health center is staffed by medical professionals from leading hospitals and medical centers throughout the Great Lakes region. North Star Reach is also a member of the prestigious SeriousFun Children’s Network (SFCN). Founded by legendary actor and philanthropist Paul Newman in 1988, SFCN is now a global network of 30 camps and programs for children with special medical needs. As a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, North Star Reach is independently managed and funded and depends on private donations to serve every camper free of charge. Camp can accommodate approximately 1,500 children and family members annually. Learn more www.northstarreach.org.

About Julianna’s Wishes

Founded in memory of Julianna Ward-Brown, Julianna’s Wishes supports children and families in need, supports local non-profits, school organizations and sports teams. Julianna’s Wishes also provides scholarships to graduating seniors. To learn more, please visit https://www.juliannaswishes.com.

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