Ripple Effect of Kindness - Raise Craze

The program encouraged students to participate in acts of kindness and three school-wide service projects: writing letters to military personnel, organizing a food drive and collecting donations for animal shelters.

The letter-writing campaign took center stage recently, with 5th and 6th graders crafting thank you cards for a Marine unit preparing for deployment to Australia. The event was made especially memorable by the presence of Solon parent and retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Dan Rosenberg, who shared personal experiences and insights about military life. He shared facts about the Marines and emphasized the Corps' commitment to equality. “A Marine is a Marine. Everyone puts on the same uniform - we’re on the same team.”

Rosenberg's participation added depth to the activity, helping students understand the impact of their kind gestures. ”Receiving letters while on active duty or being deployed means a lot,” he explained, recalling his own deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and North Africa/Europe. 

The initiative aimed to raise $25,000 for various school programs while teaching students about gratitude, kindness and community service. As Amber Rogers, the fundraiser chair, explained, "We're showing our students that everyone has the power to make a positive impact."

This innovative approach to fundraising not only supports the school but also creates meaningful connections between students and the wider world of service and sacrifice. The colorful cards, soon to be sent to California and then overseas, represent more than just gratitude – they're a bridge between Orchard's students and the broader community they're learning to serve.