Whitby School students recently organized “The Willy Wonka Sweets Sale,” a candy-themed fund-raiser to support New Covenant Center (NCCenter) in Stamford. This first-of-its-kind, student-run event encompassed a bake sale, raffle and candy wrapper design contest, collecting funds, food donations, and volunteers for the NCCenter. “We are a unique school, and today we had a unique opportunity to support the New Covenant Center,” said Whitby sixth grader and student volunteer Jesse B. NCCenter operates one of the largest food pantries in Connecticut, with a goal of helping those in need overcome both food and economic insecurity.
As part of a Brand Identity Design project, 10 student brands came together to organize the fundraising event supported by the Whitby Parents Association. Sixth-grade brand S&G Recipes coordinated a bake sale with student baking groups, including fifth grade Prez Treats, A Taste of Heaven, Ava’s Delicious Desserts, Bella’s Sweet Boutique, Cake N’ Bake, Pastry Palace, and Tonight’s the Night, raising $267.00 for NCCenter’s Capital Campaign. Creators of the student video series What’s Up Whitby organized a raffle, which collected a total of 177 canned goods and non-perishable food items for NCCenter’s Cafe. The Candy Wrapper Design Contest hosted by Candy Crunchers, Inc. and Convenience Foods 4U recruited 17 volunteers for the NCC’s food pantry and soup kitchen.
“Having Whitby School students involved in fundraising for New Covenant Center gives them the opportunity for ‘hands on’ experience in what it means to be altruistic,” said NCCenter Volunteer Coordinator David Lovegreen. He added, “It also gives the students a more in depth understanding of what it is like to be poor and hungry – particularly in one of the most affluent parts of our nation. Thanks so much for your continued support.”
