Senior Maddie Slater is proving that one person can make a big difference. Through her dedication and hard work, Maddie has organized a basket raffle fundraiser to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, inspired by a young kindergartner in her school district who is currently receiving treatment there.
Maddie’s motivation for this fundraiser comes from a deeply personal place. “What inspired me was finding out that there was a little girl at Baggaley Elementary in kindergarten who’s going to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital for treatment,” she shared.
“My cousin went to St. Jude, and I’ve done fundraising for them before. So, when my mom mentioned this little girl’s story, she suggested we do a fundraiser in support of her. All the money goes to St. Jude, but it’s also in her honor, showing people are supporting her,” she said.
Having witnessed firsthand the impact of childhood cancer, Maddie knew she wanted to help. “When I was in fourth grade, my cousin was diagnosed with brain cancer and was sent to St. Jude’s for treatment. Seeing him there and experiencing the incredible support from the hospital gave me a soft spot for St. Jude. The doctors and nurses do so much for families, so when I heard about a student in our district in a similar situation, I knew I wanted to help,” she said. Maddie has been raising money for St. Jude’s Hospital since she was young by making a lemonade stand.
With the encouragement of Mrs. Donahue, Maddie started brainstorming ways to raise funds. “We came up with the whole basket raffle idea, and I started contacting people. My mom helped a lot, she put things on facebook, and we reached out to teachers, clubs, and other community members to donate baskets. The response was overwhelming. Teachers were a big help. Many of them made baskets, and some clubs contributed as well. It turned into a much bigger project than I initially expected,” Maddie said.
“I was happy to help Maddie with this fundraiser! I think it’s for a great cause and I was more than willing to offer Maddie any support she needed for it to be successful. I think Maddie has a huge heart- not many high schoolers would give up their free time to organize a fundraiser just because. Maddie is a role model to her peers. Her empathy and compassion for children with cancer and St. Jude’s is a wonderful thing. I am so proud of her and very lucky to be her teacher.” Mrs. Donahue said.
Organizing the event had its challenges too. “Being the only student really running it, it was a lot to keep everything organized. Communicating with everyone, making sure people who promised baskets followed through, and just keeping it all together was a challenge. But we made it work.” Maddie said.
To spread the word, Maddie took a variety of approaches. “I made a lot of signs so people would know where to buy tickets. Once the baskets were displayed, people got interested and started buying tickets. I also got it mentioned in the school announcements,” she said. The fundraiser took place from January 27 to February 7.
Maddie’s efforts have already exceeded her expectations. “I didn’t really have a set goal for how much I wanted to raise. I thought maybe $500, but we’ve already surpassed $1,000. Honestly, just any amount of support is perfect for me. The fact that we ended up with 35 baskets and so many students participating, it’s just amazing.” The fundraiser raised around $3,200.
Seeing the support from her classmates has been rewarding. “At first, I wasn’t sure if students would really get involved, but walking by and seeing how many people bought tickets and how much money we’ve raised, it’s just going so well. I’m so glad,” Maddie said. Students can buy tickets in the Student Store during their study halls or lunch period and enter to win the raffle prizes.
For Maddie, this fundraiser isn’t just about raising money, it’s about showing families that they’re not alone. “When my cousin was sick, the community showed so much love and support. That’s such an important part of the battle. Knowing people have your back lets you focus on keeping your loved one safe and healthy,” she said.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, based in Memphis, Tennessee, is a leading global center for pediatric cancer research. Its goal is to discover cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases through innovative research and treatment. She hopes this fundraiser sheds light on the incredible work of St. Jude’s. “Families never receive a bill from St. Jude. Everything is covered including travel, living expenses, food, and all medical care. They rely on donations to continue providing this level of care. Supporting them means supporting families who are facing one of the hardest times of their lives,” Maddie said.
Through her dedication, Maddie Slater has not only raised funds but has also brought her community together to support a great cause and a child in need. “Any way a community can support a child going through cancer is amazing,” she said. “It really does make a difference.” With the fundraiser still growing, one thing is clear–Maddie’s support and efforts will leave a lasting impact, both for St. Jude’s and for the young girl whose journey inspired it all.
