Walton Academy is making a difference!

In the Detroit area, Walton Academy’s K-8 students recently held a month-long Netraiser with the goal of raising $1,000 to purchase 100 bed nets. Throughout the month, the students became incredibly passionate about raising money for families in Africa.  Each day, students came to school with piggy banks, Ziploc baggies and pockets full of coins.  A thermometer in the school’s main hallway tracked the funds, encouraging the students to keep raising the red bar.

A few students set personal goals to motivate themselves to earn the most money. They got competitive and creative by setting up lemonade stands, approaching their churches with donation requests and asking family members and friends to donate. Two of Walton’s most impressive donors include first grader, Tyler Narrin, who raised $101 and seventh grader, Giovanni Vega, who raised $360.

 After the 30 days were up, the students blew their original goal of $1,000 out of the water by raising a total of $5,000 for 500 mosquito nets!  Overall, the Netraiser was incredibly successful and fun.  The students felt a huge sense of accomplishment knowing they played a major role in protecting families in Africa from malaria.