Angela Santoriello • Reader Submitted • February 23, 2009 Standing center court, Mayor Thomas F.
Kelaher told hundreds of students “it is greater to give than receive” during the Toms River High School South Indian Givers Basketball Fundraiser. Advocating for the student-based group, who have supported a cancer-stricken student, a peer who suffered the death of both parents and a student who lost their home to a fire, Mayor Kelaher read excerpts from a proclamation passed on behalf of the Township Council and himself. According to junior and event coordinator, Catrina Shea, the High School South Indian Giver Ambassadors and Committee Members initiated the Give Back Week during February 17 thru 20 to fund present and future endeavors. Since students were off last Monday, the Indian Givers started in full swing Tuesday with a scavenger hunt. Wednesday, the students sold Indian Giver merchandise, challenging each separate homeroom to purchase as much product possible with the winning homeroom class having the opportunity to choose one student to dress as teacher for the day. The same evening, the group held a student teacher basketball game, drawing out hundreds of attendees who paid a $5 entrance for the charity event. Thursday, a bagel sale was held throughout the day to raise further funds, and, lastly on Friday, the group raffled off a Nintendo Wii. “Being part of Indian Givers allows me to realize and recognize what I have and how generous others are during these hard economic times,” said Shea. “It feels really good to see all the hard work is worth it by the smiles on student’s faces we have helped, and mostly, it feels good inside to give unconditionally.” To donate money directly to the Toms River High School South Indian Givers, please contact Cathy Shea at (732) 232-4857.
Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher presents a proclamation to student-leader Catrina Shea, who is member of the Toms River High School South Indian Givers, a student-based organization that fundraises all year Angela Santoriello