Ft. Couch 'Reaches Out,' Raises $11K for Charities

students raised more than $11,000 in their annual "Reach Out" fundraiser.

The seventh and eighth graders raised a total of $11,271.83 in just eight days by doing various tasks such as Christmas caroling, babysitting and chores.

"I am so amazed and impressed with how hard they've been working for such amazing causes," said Katie Rummel, the Fort Couch teacher who was in charge of organizing this year's event.

A $5,000 check was presented to the . The officers will use the money to purchase Giant Eagle gift cards and will distribute them to people in and around Upper St. Clair who are in need. Some of the 80 recipients include elderly people on fixed incomes; people who are disabled and unable to leave their home; families with parents who have lost their jobs or have lost a loved one; and abandoned mothers—one of whom has seven kids—she took in her sister's three children when her sister died.

"We get to see the faces of the people ... the gratitude from the people in need is amazing; uplifting for the holiday spririt. The creator of heaven and earth gave his best, and these kids are giving their best," Lt. John Sakoian told Upper St. Clair Patch.

Lt. Sakoian explained to the students that the most valuable possessions cannot be purchased—time, health, family, love and friend.

"And you've given your time, you've given (the people in need) health with food, to families in love, and your reaching out and giving friendship," he said.

The rest of the money raised will benefit Ft. Couch Jr. Partners, MS Bike-a-Thon, Hearts for Haiti, Grady's All Stars and Autism Awareness.

Team one raised the most money out of the six teams total. Their reward for coming in first place is a trip to and a pizza party—and they may even get to meet a few Pittsburgh Penguins. The team includes the seventh graders of Mr. Lucas, Mr. Linder, Mrs. Ghilani and Mrs. Toohey.

Thursday's "Reach Out" assembly included a performance from the band, the orchestra and the choir. A group of teachers also surprised the crowd with a Christmas singing performance.

The assembly ended with a raffle of prizes purchased by the PTA.

Click the video above to watch some of Thursday's performances.