January 14, 2005
Gallatin Rotary Donates to Howard Elementary Fundraiser
(L-R) Buffie Baril, Damon Hobbs, Reggie Mudd,
2nd grader Brittany Baril, Jim Svoboda, Jim Hawkins, Howard PTO
President Mindi Plantinga, and teacher Teena Kunce
The Gallatin Noon Rotary Club contributes $250 to the Howard Elementary school bake sale. The school is raising money to send to the Tsunami victims. Over $2100 was raised for the UNICEF Tsunami Relief Fund.
The Gallatin Noon Rotary Club, Sumner County's oldest service club,
created the "Wheels in Motion" program to recognize and promote good
citizenship and character of students in area public elementary schools.
Each month, the staff and faculty select one child to win a new bicycle
given by the Rotary Club. In December 2004, Brittany Baril was selected
as the "Wheels in Motion" winner at Howard Elementary School.
During the tsunami news coverage, Brittany Baril was moved to help
children affected by the tsunami. Her idea to hold a bake sale was
enthusiastically supported by her parents, Chuck and Buffie Baril, her
teacher, Teena Kunce, and her principal, Cindy Swafford. The Howard PTO
warmly embraced and hosted the project, and on January 12-14, 2005,
students and parents conducted a 3-day bake sale in the cafeteria.
"This has been a wonderful event for all of our students," said
principal Cindy Swafford. "All of our students and faculty and staff
have wanted to help support the tsunami relief. The parents and
teachers made and contributed delicious treats. Also, the 4th and 5th
grade students helped sell the baked goods and learned how to make
change."
After learning of this effort, the Gallatin Noon Rotary Club contributed
$250 toward the effort. Club officers and board members visited her
second grade classroom and presented a check to Brittany Baril, who
shyly turned it over to Mrs. Swafford. Including the Rotary Club
contribution, the bake sale effort raised a total of $2,100, which is
being sent to the UNICEF Tsunami Relief Fund to provide aid to children
whose families and homes were lost.