Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

2/3/05

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn High School Students Raise Funds
to Aid Victims of Tsunami Disaster

On Monday, January 3, students in Auburn High School’s fifth period leadership class returned from winter break very disturbed about the tsunami disaster and its devastation. They wanted to do something to help. They decided to initiate a coin fund drive at AHS for students and staff that would last three weeks. Their goal was to raise $3,000. They advertised with posters and announcements in the school. After Congress passed the tax break extension that allowed taxpayers to claim their tsunami relief donations on their 2004 tax deductions, the students even sent flyers home to parents to inform them of the tax break to encourage donations to the fundraiser. Many of the AHS clubs such as Key Club and groups such as ASB pooled their resources. The combined total of their donations amounted to $3,430, surpassing the students’ initial goal. The students are donating the money to World Vision to help with the tsunami relief. Meri Benedict is the AHS leadership advisor.

All South Puget Sound League (SPSL) schools are working on comparable fundraisers and will combine their contributions as a demonstration of the caring and kindness of youth.

For more information, contact AHS leadership advisor, Meri Benedict, at (253) 931-4880.