Teen Leadership Board fundraises $30,000 for Families in Need
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas (RMHC) is thrilled to announce the success of its annual Lights of Love event, a beloved tradition that brings warmth and support to families with hospitalized children during the holiday season. This wonderful event was hosted on December 2nd by RMHC’s Teen Leadership Board (TLB), a group of 40 high schoolers who participate in monthly meetings, volunteer shifts, and fundraising activities. The Teen Leadership Board (TLB) is one of the most competitive programs in the Upstate, with 40 students and 10 high schools represented.
The evening enchanted attendees with festive lights that transformed the House into a magical winter wonderland. Guests enjoyed tours of the decorated House, special visits from Santa Claus, and holiday crafts. The Jerries Band, a local high school band, filled the House with beloved Christmas carols throughout the evening.
At the TLB’s signature event, Lights of Love, they fundraised a grand total of $30,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas, providing nearly a year’s stay for a family in need. This incredible group more than doubled last year’s fundraising efforts of $12,400, a 140% increase! Through sharing RMHC’s mission, engaging their networks, and developing creative fundraising initiatives, the TLB surpassed their goal with remarkable enthusiasm and dedication.
“Advising this group has been the experience of a lifetime. These aren’t your average teenagers, they are the brightest the Upstate has to offer, united by their unparalleled passion and commitment to philanthropic service. Every one of them is a class president, a varsity athlete, an orchestra star, and has a heart of gold,” TLB Advisor, Nicolette Occhifinto, explains. “The success of Lights of Love is just a testament to how selflessly dedicated they are to our mission and serving families in need.”
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas would like to extend sincere gratitude to the Top 10 Lights of Love Fundraisers:
- Campbell Montalvo – Greenville High School
- Hadley Miller – Christ Church Episcopal School
- Hazel Lewis – Christ Church Episcopal School
- Ali Phyfer – Christ Church Episcopal School
- Julia Davis – Christ Church Episcopal School
- Sheamus Schellinger – Christ Church Episcopal School
- Adele Cull – Greenville Technical Charter High School
- Mia Stewart – St. Joseph’s Catholic School
- Jerry Gan – Christ Church Episcopal School
- Eli Stone – Christ Church Episcopal School
This year’s success was no doubt a result of the impact made by the Teen Leadership Board’s Lights of Love Committee, spearheaded by Fundraising & Development Chair, Caroline Bruner (Christ Church Episticol School). The evening’s activities, including cookie decorating and photos with Santa, were coordinated by committee members Nora Woodward (Wade Hampton High School), Lucy Craven (Riverside High School), Jerry Gan (Christ Church Episcopal School), and Adele Cull (Greenville Technical Charter High School).
The continued impact of the Teen Leadership Board program speaks volumes to the community oriented mindset that the Upstate community shares. It is so meaningful to share the mission of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas through this “kids helping kids” initiative.
The ongoing impact of the Teen Leadership Board reflects the Upstate community’s deeply rooted spirit of service and its belief in “kids helping kids.” Beyond Lights of Love, TLB members regularly volunteer at the House by preparing meals through the Guest Chef Program, hosting movie nights and craft sessions, tutoring children, and more. The program also provides students with invaluable professional development experience, including building LinkedIn profiles, writing resumes, and developing interview skills.
This year’s board is led by:
- President: Wilson Quarles (Greenville Technical Charter High School)
- Vice President: Reese Rosenfeld (St. Joseph’s Catholic School)
- Secretary: Hadley Miller (Christ Church Episcopal School)
- Fundraising & Development Chair: Caroline Bruner (Christ Church Episcopal School)
- Marketing Chair: Harsha Patil (Riverside High School)
- Social Chair: Ella Grace Patrick (Veritas Preparatory School)
In the spring, the Teen Leadership Board will be hosting a stuffed animal drive, a large-scale initiative designed to bring comfort to the kids staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas. This idea was inspired by the group’s own beloved stuffed animals, which they’ve kept since childhood. Stay tuned for more details about what this group will be up to next.
Photo by Reilly Guy
Written by Nicolette Occhifinto
