Downingtown High School West student rallies on the pickleball court during a fundraiser match supporting Bringing Hope Home, a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting families impacted by cancer.
Downingtown High School West’s (DHSW) Pickleball Club recently demonstrated its commitment to community service, raising $460 for Bringing Hope Home, a local nonprofit providing financial and emotional support to families fighting cancer. The funds raised will benefit the Light of Hope Family Program, which offers one-time financial assistance for essential household expenses to families impacted by cancer.
Led by students and supported by the school community, this meaningful fundraiser featured a series of pickleball matches that encouraged student engagement and participation. The event fostered team spirit and athleticism while reinforcing the importance of supporting families in challenging times. Staff members at DHSW were instrumental in organizing this initiative, including Christopher Heffernan, a student teacher in the history department, and Michelle Mahan, the pickleball club advisor.
Mahan expressed her pride in the students’ efforts, stating, “I am incredibly proud of our students for stepping up and making a difference. Their enthusiasm and dedication to raising funds for Bringing Hope Home shows how much they care about giving back to the community and supporting families in need.”
Susan Tancredi, Spanish teacher and Curriculum Leader at DHSW, highlighted the educational value of the initiative, noting, “This fundraiser goes beyond sports and physical activity; it’s about building character and empathy in our students. It teaches them the importance of community involvement and demonstrates how small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.”
Justin Brown, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Downingtown Area School District (DASD), applauded the team’s efforts, adding, “The pickleball club’s fundraising initiative aligns with our district’s mission to foster inclusive and supportive communities. By supporting Bringing Hope Home, these students are helping to provide hope and relief to families facing the toughest challenges, and I’m proud to see our students leading with compassion.”
DHSW students’ commitment to this cause reflects the strength of student-driven contributions, reinforcing the power of kindness and connection within our school community.
