Sweethearts & Heroes fundraiser a success

TICONDEROGA | Though the sky was a perfect gray, the atmosphere inside Paper & Pencil was bright on Thursday, Mar. 26. The first-ever Sweethearts & Heroes Guest Bartending event was in full swing, and thanks to an extremely generous community, the tip jars overfloweth. "Hosting the event filled my heart," remarked Melissa O'Reilly, event organizer. "Seeing people come together to support a cause that helps kids build confidence, kindness, and courage is truly powerful." S&A is designed to cultivate a positive school environment and address broader school-based issues, with services focusing on building a supportive atmosphere that fosters networks of support, belonging, and a strong sense of school community. High schoolers regularly engage with elementary students, introducing them to the concepts early when they are impressionable with developing minds- and hearts. Guest bartenders donated all their tips to the empathy program at Ti Central School District, which has students and parents singing its praises. Paper & Pencil's Megan Cunningham was on the scene offering her assistance, as was regular bartender Conner Larock, and the restaurant donated appetizers at no cost for the event. "I think that the event went exceedingly well, it was definitely money-wise, over double what I projected or at the very least was hoping for," revealed Ti High Math Teacher and S&H Club Advisor Kate Crammond (who offered her hand as a guest bartender). "I would have been happy with $2,000." Crammond's goal of $2,000 was most likely reached a mere halfway through the night. When she went to the district office to make the final deposit the following morning, Crammond delivered a staggering $4,706 for S&A. "That is incredible. I couldn't believe the way people were making donations and giving," Crammond said. "People were there because they knew it was befitting a really great organization, the giving spirit really took over. That is a lot of money for someone to give and to trust what we are doing, understanding this is for the benefit of our kids; it is truly humbling. The vibes were great, and everyone was having fun." O'Reilly said that S&A will be looking to do a second similar fundraiser this fall.

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Sweethearts & Heroes fundraiser a success

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