It looks like the entire Fox Chapel Area School District community got on board with the district's holiday telethon.
Students, with the support of staff, parents and residents, raised $33,000 for the Luke Hadley Foundation.
Founded in honor of the toddler who in 2008 lost his battle with a rare chromosome disorder, the foundation aims to provide smiles to medically fragile children. Specifically, the group provides toys, equipment and supplies that enable sick children to have the best quality of life possible.
Luke was the son of Jeff and Kara Hadley, both teachers in the district.
The $33,000 was raised through a telethon and fundraising efforts that took place during the weeks leading up to the main event.
Bonnie Berzonski, the district's coordinator of communications, said a decision was made to support the Luke Hadley Foundation because it is a cause dear to many members of the staff.
"Not only do both parents teach, but the grandma recently retired as a secretary," Berzonski said. "The district watched the impact that Luke's life had on so many people and we support the mission of the foundation."
In its first year, the Luke Hadley Foundation has purchased five "Luke's Art Carts" for the critical care units in Children's Hospital of UPMC. There, the patients are not able to leave their beds or rooms to take advantage of the play areas inside the hospital. A mission of the foundation is to keep the art carts fully supplied so that every hospital stay is as positive as can be.
Others groups that will be assisted through the foundation are The Children's Home and The Children's Institute.
Held Dec. 23, the telethon was a mix of taped and live segments, broadcast from the high school. Coordinated by the television production and marketing-management students, the theme of this year's event was "All Aboard the Hadley Express."
It showcases students from each school with their fundraising efforts and encourages residents to participate with drive-through donations. A crew of volunteers mans Field Club Road to solicit donations from passing motorists.
Since the first telethon 20 years ago, Fox Chapel Area students have raised more than $422,000 for various charities.
