19 June 2013
The stops were all pulled out to collect funds for Downs Syndrome Research involving raffles organised by Learning Support Department, a raffle organised and supported by staff and a a fund-raising Friday by Whittle College.
Star of the show was Year 7 student Isabel Garman, who has Downs Syndrome, as she toured the classes raising awareness of the condition and the need for funds to further research, selling raffle tickets for a giant basket of chocolates. The winner was Year 7 student Nathaniel Lamb who said "I told my Mum about the raffle and as I have a baby brother with Downs, she gave me £5.00 and I won the chocolates!
The staff raffle was held separately and there were several winners – Mrs. Anne Herdman won a ladies pashmina and other members of staff won prizes such as afternoon tea for two at the Clifton Arms, Spa Day at the Dalmeny, appealing to more adult taste.
Whittle College chose a charity close to their hearts to support this year – The Downs Syndrome Association. They set a target of £1000 to raise on our fundraising Friday and set to!
There was a whole College sponsored spell, auction, and raffle. Then also a staff sponsored silence (how good is that?) , car wash and valet, football tournament, cake sale, sponge the teacher, golf challenge, homemade greeting card sale and individual sponsored events including a sponsored tennis serve and fun run. All these events took place at break, lunch and after school.
Gail McGreein, Pastoral Manager for Whittle College, said "All the students were fantastic and got behind the day by either baking or selling cakes, selling raffle tickets, washing cars or doing a sponsored event. They especially enjoyed getting their own back on the teachers by throwing wet sponges at them….
Three 10 girls (Coran Sharp, Rosie Coe, Lauren Beck) raised over £400 just themselves with a sponsored run. Coran Sharp said "We were very moved when we learned more about Downs and were determined to do our best to raise money. Three tickets for Lytham Proms to see Rita Ora, A signed Blackpool 125th anniversary shirt and a tour of rock fm radio studios - raising over £200. Y11 students washed staff cars and raised over £150. Some students contributed by doing their own individual sponsored event and we have been overwhelmed by their commitment and enthusiasm in raising money for the DSA. The day was amazing to see and be part of, in fact the response was so brilliant that not only have we reached our target but double it, raising just over £2000."
David Uphill, Head of Whittle college said "We are so proud of all the students and thank them for their hard work and enthusiasm. Congratulations and well done."It has been a brilliant achievement from everyone in Whittle college. The whole fundraising process has made me extremely proud especially as it is a charity close to our hearts. The Down Syndrome Association is a fantastic organisation and I hope this money will help them in their excellent work. Well done Whittle.
Well done too all the contributors and local businesses who made many of the events possible.
