NJ Students Raise Funds from 24 States and 6 Countries

When Roosevelt Elementary School students started their annual fundraiser in March, they had no idea their reach would extend to six continents.

The Rahway, New Jersey school received donations from supporters in 24 states and six countries, including Australia, during their two-week Booster Fundraiser from March 17-27. Students spent each evening reaching out to family and friends, building connections that stretched far beyond their hometown.

The fundraiser focused on more than just raising money. Students participated in daily character-building lessons about kindness, respect, and responsibility while learning to engage with their extended community.

Everything came together on March 27 during the Fun Run finale. Students completed laps around the school grounds while upbeat music played and staff cheered them on, celebrating both their physical achievement and the relationships they'd built over two weeks.

"This fundraiser was a fantastic way to bring our school community together and connect with our extended families and friends near and far," said school counselor Lori Poulos. "The Fun Run was a truly memorable experience for everyone."

The Ripple Effect

The money raised will fund two major school programs that keep giving back to students throughout the year. Field Day will bring outdoor activities, team-building exercises, and athletic celebrations to every grade level.

The funds also support the school's PBIS program, which stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. This initiative rewards students who demonstrate the same values they practiced during the fundraiser: kindness, respect, and responsibility.

The global response showed students that their community extends far beyond what they can see. Family members and friends from different time zones and continents united around a single cause, proving that physical distance can't limit genuine connection.

Young students learned a powerful lesson about reaching out and asking for support, skills that will serve them well beyond elementary school.

A two-week fundraiser brought one New Jersey school closer to supporters they didn't even know they had.