Polk County Public Schools
The Polk Public Schools raised $36, 297 in an eight-day period to assist earthquake victims in Haiti. The funds will be donated to the American Red Cross. The superintendent’s office encouraged each school and district site to donate to the fund from January 13 to January 22.
Schools and sites were encouraged to do penny pitches, spare change collections, pass the bucket, place collection containers in common areas or use other fundraising methods.
“Our goal was $21,000, the equivalent of a dime from each student and $1 from each staff member,” associate superintendent Bruce Tonjes told school board members during the board’s January 26 meeting. “We’re happy to report that we exceeded that by nearly 75 percent.”
Polk schools have approximately 90,000 students and 12,000 employees.
Schools and sites are also encouraged to continue raising additional funds throughout the rest of the year to assist the relief efforts in Haiti.
Lakeland’s Harrison School For The Arts is holding a benefit for the people of Haiti at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 31 at the school, 750 Lake Hollingsworth Drive. The event title is “Arts for Humanity” and includes community arts organizations Florida Dance Theatre, Florida Southern College, Harrison School For The Arts, Lakeland Community Theatre, Platform Art, Polk Museum of Art and Theatre Winter Haven. Local artists including pianist Robert McDonald and actor Eric Nutting will perform. Red Cross representatives will be at the event collecting donations. A suggested minimum donation is $5. Information: (863) 499-2855.
