Number of Participants: 7
Hours Donated: 15
Value of Time Served: $3,653
Event Amount Raised: $50
Event Type: Hunger
Activity: Other
School: Kenmore East Senior High School
Date: February 25, 2026
Location:
Kenmore East Senior High School
Fries Road, Tonawanda
NY
About:
The KE Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) continued to demonstrate the power of student leadership and collaboration by organizing a fundraising initiative to support the school pantry.
Now in its second year, the SAAC-led cornhole tournament brought together students, faculty, and staff for a fun, inclusive event with a meaningful purpose. Funds raised during the tournament were donated directly to the school pantry, helping ensure that essential resources are available to support members of the school community in need.
SAAC members coordinated and ran every aspect of the event. Students met as a group to select a date, worked with advisors to secure the gym, and then took the lead on promotion and logistics. Their efforts included making morning and TV announcements, hanging flyers throughout the school, organizing team sign-ups, and encouraging participation. Teams paid a $5 entry fee, and participants were encouraged to pair one student with a faculty or staff member—strengthening connections across the school community.
On the day of the tournament, SAAC members handled event setup, supply coordination, and tournament operations, with advisors serving in a support and facilitation role. The result was a true community effort that combined friendly competition with service and generosity.
Building on this momentum, SAAC students are already planning future initiatives, including a spring pickleball tournament and a third annual cornhole tournament next fall—continuing their commitment to service-led programming.
In addition to fundraising events, KE SAAC also coordinated a holiday card writing and decorating initiative for all winter athletes. The cards were delivered to a local church and distributed to senior citizens on behalf of KE athletes, extending the students’ impact beyond the school and into the broader community.
Together, these efforts highlight how student-athletes can lead with purpose—using teamwork, initiative, and creativity to strengthen their school community and make a meaningful difference beyond athletics.
