Frenship ISD has a long history of supporting the Children’s Miracle Network. Each year several Frenship schools rise to the occasion to raise money during the annual Miracle Pennies Fundraiser.
Last week, at the Children’s Miracle Network kickoff luncheon, Frenship High School was awarded the Top High School Fundraiser bringing in $6,153.81, and Frenship ISD was named the Overall District Fundraiser for the previous year’s drive. These prestigious honors are a testament to the district's commitment to live the Frenship Way through servant leadership and dedication to making a difference in the lives of children across the region.
In the 2024 fundraiser, 23 local schools raised a total of $53,969.84 for Miracle Pennies. Six Frenship schools including Frenship High School, Ninth Grade Center, Heritage Middle School, Alcove Trails Middle School, Oak Ridge Elementary, and Upland Heights Elementary contributed $19,723.54. During the event, the Children’s Miracle Network announced an ambitious goal of $60,000 for this year.
At the luncheon, Frenship participants worked together with schools from across the area to exchange ideas on fundraising strategies, ways to engage students, and how to raise awareness about the importance of supporting the Children’s Miracle Network. Students left the event feeling energized and excited to fundraise after hearing about the efforts of others, learning where the funds go, and meeting this year’s Miracle Kid and their family.
Kim Thomson, the Heritage Middle School National Junior Honor Society sponsor, believes it helps the students to hear from someone who directly understands and benefits from Miracle Pennies. Knowing that all fundraising stays in Lubbock at UMC Hospital drives home the impact of the students' efforts.
“I think it is good for students to see that whatever they are able to contribute goes a long way because together it makes a big difference and impact,” said Thomson. “I never want someone to feel that what they have isn't enough, because together every little bit helps. It's a great lesson to learn and to also know that every bit we raise stays locally and in our community.”
Over the years, Frenship schools have held dress-up days, concession stands, jousting competitions, hamster ball races, and dodgeball tournaments. Students who donated even had the opportunity to slime or pie teachers, cut their hair, kiss a pig, and even tape a teacher to the wall.
Misti Welch, the Children’s Miracle Network Director at UMC, is grateful for Frenship and all the local schools that work hard each year to raise money for this amazing program. Every dollar donated stays right here in Lubbock and will directly benefit the Children’s Hospital, helping kids across the South Plains.
“I think it's so important to teach kids at this early age how to give back,” said Welch. “They are helping support UMC Children's Hospital where a lot of their own classmates have had to go for treatment, care, etc.”
Frenship schools encourage both students and staff to donate, whether it's just a dollar or a few quarters, it all adds up. The district's commitment to the fundraiser has already made a significant impact in previous years, and this year, the students are even more motivated to surpass last year's donations. The stage is set for another successful year of fundraising efforts.
Learn more about the UMC Children's Miracle Network annual fundraiser, Miracle Pennies HERE.