A group of girls who painted and sold rocks to raise money for Lighthouse of Oakland County collected over double their original fund-raising goal.
Claire Kirchner, an 8-year-old student from Independence Elementary, first thought of the fund-raising idea, called Rock it Up For Lighthouse.
After enlisting help from several of her friends, the girls took on all sorts of tasks from organizing the fund raiser to asking businesses to donate materials.
Originally, Claire’s goal was to raise $1,000 for Lighthouse, but as the event went on, that number kept climbing.
During the first rock selling event, the girls sold items at the Clarkston Union when the Mojo in the Morning radio show held a live broadcast. During the event, the girls raised over $800.
‘Once they met the $1,000, it was bumped up to $1,500 and then once that was met, it was raised to $2,000,? said Claire’s mom Beth.
The girls then sold rocks for two days at Rudy’s Market in downtown Clarkston. After all the events were over, the group raised $2,130.
‘It was a lot of work,? Claire admitted. ‘I learned a lot but I mostly learned that lots of people will donate if it’s a good cause.?
She also learned it wasn’t easy to put a fund raiser together, but with patience and perseverance it pays off in the end.
Claire has already presented the money to Lighthouse.
Beth said Lighthouse staff has invited the girls to tour the Clarkston facility so they can get an idea about what they do there.
‘We would like to thank the Clarkston community for their support to make the Rock it Up For Lighthouse fundraiser a huge success,? she said. ‘And a big thank you to the parents and the team for all of their hard work.?
Lighthouse of Oakland County offers a variety of assistance to those needing help.
A donation will help provide food, housing, clothing, financial help and transportation to Oakland County residents in need of emergency assistance. Lighthouse, funded by grants and donations, also provides supportive housing programs for homeless women and children-among other services.