Last month Guadalupe held an annual fall fundraiser in hopes to raise funds for its various educational programs. In a departure from the traditional luncheon, we decided to start the fun a little earlier in the day, with a delicious pancake breakfast! This felt especially appropriate, as the event was held a day after National Pancake Day. Representatives from sponsoring corporations, community members, and former and current Guadalupe staff attended, and enjoyed some syrupy goodness along with inspiring speeches. 
   The program began with an introduction to Guadalupe School's five services, three of which are the early learning programs, In-home, Toddler Beginnings, and Preschool, followed by Charter School and Adult Education. Attendants were then privileged to hear from Guadalupe board member Trent Tenney of 4Life Research, who spoke of how he is inspired by serving an organization with an incredible mission and set of achievements. He was followed by Carlton Christensen, the Director of Regional Development for Salt Lake County, and Kayley Laureano, a Guadalupe alumna who is studying at the University of Utah. Both expressed their love and appreciation for Guadalupe School and its contributions to the Rose Park community.  
   Attendants were asked by each of the speakers to assist Guadalupe School in continuing its 52-year legacy of transforming lives through education. We have been blown away with the support that followed, resulting in a total of $31,000 being raised through the event in both sponsorship and donations. Guadalupe School relies on private donations from the community for 25% of its operating revenue; therefore, it could not do what it does without its generous donors! We thank community members who choose to invest in education, and who do so by supporting Guadalupe School, which provides education to one of Salt Lake City's most vulnerable populations. THANK YOU! 

​     The students of Guadalupe School have been learning about the importance of unity and community, and specifically the power a community can have when working together. In response to the influx of natural disasters that have taken place recently, Guadalupe students and staff began a fundraiser for those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and the earthquake in Mexico. The fundraiser was titled "Our Pack Gives Back" and gave reference to the school's wolf mascot.
   The Our Pack Gives Back Fundraiser lasted for two weeks, and all members of the Guadalupe community were eager to raise money for the cause. Students and staff brought in their spare change, did odd jobs around the house to earn money, and even went to their friends and family to ask them to contribute. Many parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity their students had to think of others and to practice generosity. One mom wrote a note that said, "Dear teacher, thank you for showing our son that although he's little he still has a voice and can help out the country in these rough times. We appreciate everything you do for him."
     The fundraiser's original goal was $500. Smaller goals were given throughout the two weeks to provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment. Students were given prizes for every $100 they were able to raise, and enjoyed dance parties, popcorn, and having a free dress day. To the absolute delight of all the students, vice principal Paul Mulder agreed to kiss a pig if the students were able to meet their $500 goal. 
    The fundraiser concluded on September 22nd. Students gathered in an assembly to learn more about the importance of community by observing how wolf packs work together. Additionally, they learned about and felt empathy as they saw images of the damage done in Texas and Mexico, and discussed the uphill climb these people faced to rebuild their communities. Students were informed they had met their $500 goal, and watched with glee as Mr. Mulder kissed a black pig named Wilbur. Finally, it was time to announce the grand total of the money raised. The excitement was palpable as the school mascot Lupe the Wolf announced that the Guadalupe School Community had raised a total of $1,033.28! Students and staff alike cheered for their collective efforts, and felt a sense of accomplishment that their efforts could make a big difference. As a surprise for more than doubling their goal, the students enjoyed one last prize as sixth grade teacher Mr. Bryants shaved off his beard! 
     We are so incredibly proud of our students and their families. Guadalupe students all qualify for free and reduced lunch, and often come from households where parents work multiple jobs to support their families. They are the recipients of many donations and service outreaches from community members, high school and college students, and corporate groups each year. However, they proved that they too can give back in a big way. Thanks Guadalupe School for the example you have set that all of us can do our part to support causes and communities in need!