TURNERS FALLS — To raise money for both their class and Clinical & Support Options (CSO), the Turners Fall High School Class of 2024 is having a walkathon at Unity Park on Thursday.
Class President Ricky Pareja anticipates “at least 23 or 25 students” will be in attendance when the class walks the length of the bike path from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. while receiving donations from sponsors. He said the fundraiser’s benefit is twofold, allowing students an opportunity to enjoy outdoor activity while raising money for CSO’s therapy, counseling and other support programs for mental and behavioral health.
Pareja said he, his class and teacher Donna Fowler elected to have 30% of the walkathon’s proceeds benefit CSO not only because the non-profit has done “great” work for the community, but for young people in particular.
“I think it’s really important to support teens like us right now,” he said. “Stick together as a community.”
“Their class recognized our organization … as one that benefited them as a community,” CSO Associate Vice President of Marketing and Development Geoffrey Oldmixon said. “I was really impressed that the kids … were valuing behavioral and mental health.”
The remaining 70% of donations will be put toward the class budget for events such as field trips and prom.
“The more funds we get, the less people have to pay for activities,” Pareja said. “For some, paying $20 to go on a field trip could be a hardship.”
Money aside, Pareja said having a walkathon is a good idea because it’s an opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors.
“I feel like it’s really important that one of our first fundraisers we’re doing is a walkathon,” he said. “It’s nice that we can be outside and be active. Get some fresh air.”
Those interested in donating can bring money to Unity Park at the beginning of the bike path or drop donations off at Turners Falls High School before Thursday. Checks should be made out to “TFHS Class of 2024.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.