LYNN — Ten students from Lynn Vocational Technical Institute have raised $11,000 this year to help nonprofit organizations — doubling their original goal of raising $5,000.
“It’s just amazing,” said Dafne Gomez, a freshman at Lynn Tech. “Everyone who has opened their doors and handed even just a penny… it has done so much.”
Gomez, along with nine other Lynn Tech students participated in the fundraiser, established by the school’s SkillsUSA chapter, to raise money for nonprofits in the city. The school held an award ceremony Thursday morning, where the students presented the grants to the nonprofit organizations.
The nonprofits include the Lynn Shelter Association, Lynn’s Kids Organization, The Haven Project, My Brother’s Table, Project YES, and St. Stephen’s Food Pantry.
The fundraising project began in September of this year. Those who donated include students, teachers and residents of the city. Lynn Tech senior Ben Tatarini said that the students spent their Saturday mornings going door to door asking for donations. He recalled how serious the group was about reaching the $5,000 goal.
“Saturday mornings we went from door to door and down every street in Lynn,” said Tatarini. “What we’re doing here at this event is we are giving money to these nonprofit organizations here at the school today.”
Staff and students attended the SkillsUSA awards ceremony on Thursday morning, and applauded their peers for the work they accomplished over the past three months. The organization members thanked the students, and said they made a difference for the community and raised awareness about equity in the city.
Tracey Scherrer, the executive director of The Haven Project, said that she is grateful for the donation presented by the students, but there is still more work to be done toward helping youths who are homeless.
“I just want to take a moment to reflect on how proud you should be,” Scherrer said to the students. “All of these proceeds are appreciated and will go to struggling youths.”
Following the ceremony, students and staff participated in a walk around the area to celebrate their accomplishments.
Jason McCuish, SkillsUSA advisor and an English teacher at Lynn Tech, said he is incredibly proud of the students and hopes the school will have another fundraiser next year.
“We’re going to do something every year,” said McCuish. “It’s amazing what these kids were able to do.”
