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We've written lately about the challenges facing Elkhart high school students in these tough economic times (and you'll be meeting some of those students and hearing their stories next week.) But in the meantime, how about some good news about a generous reward for a great accomplishment?
Brittany Elsworth, a freshman at Elkhart Memorial High School, learned last week that good attendance pays off when she won a car at a raffle for 153 students who had perfect or almost-perfect records.
"I just thought I would win it, told my friends I would probably win it, and I guess I did!" an excited Elsworth told local TV station WSBT. Elsworth won't be able to drive her prize right away. She can't get her learner's permit for at least a year and will temporarily rely on her brother to chauffeur her around.
"We feel very lucky to be able to have something like this," Principal Mark Tobolski said of the special drawing. Other prizes included gift certificates and money. Elkhart's Central High School had a similar annual raffle, but its sponsor backed out this year because of the tough business climate.
Generous townsfolk and others from far away have stepped up to help students attend the senior prom and have caps and gowns for graduation ceremony, and the Lochmandy dealership came through with the grandest of prizes, tough times or no.
Such acts of generosity are likely to be rarer across the country when Chrysler and GM close nearly 2,000 U.S. dealerships. Car dealerships tend to be very active in their communities – helping sponsor everything from Little League to libraries, rodeos to road races. In return for their donations, the businesses get their names printed on jerseys, programs and signs, and customers are often happy to repay that generosity when it's time to buy new vehicles.
Douglas Graft, one of the owners of a Chrysler dealership in Scottdale, Pa., told the Associated Press recently that his company had already reduced its charitable activities because of the recession and poor sales.
Already, funding for good causes can be hard to come by.
Ashley Alexander, a student at Elkhart's Central High School , for example, qualified for a national event sponsored by Business Professionals of America, an organization that prepares students for careers in business and the IT field. But she and her fellow club members have had a difficult time raising funds to attend.
"There aren't any club funds in reserve from previous years to send the girls and one chaperone," said Anna Alexander, her mother. "These girls have worked hard to get to nationals and it is an honor to go. With Elkhart being the national focus for months the girls want to represent Elkhart in a positive way."
Are you concerned that the closure of one or more local car dealerships will adversely impact your community? What alternatives could schools and other organizations explore as sources for charitable giving? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
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