By Eric Wilson-Edge
Type “Tenino” into Google right now and you’re in for a surprise. The rural Thurston County town is in the spotlight because of a fundraiser to help orphans in Ghana. “We’re shocked but really happy about how big it went,” says Tenino High School senior Brittany Patterson.
Just how big is the story? Well, the Today Show called and pretty much all of Canada is in arms. You see, the fundraiser employed a rather unique method to collect funds. During passing times between classes and lunch the Justin Bieber song “Baby” was played over and over again. Students could make the music stop permanently by donating money to reach the overall goal of $500.
The idea came during a student government meeting. Patterson, who is the ASB Social Chair, credits another student for suggesting the initial plan. “It wasn’t even supposed to be the biggest part,” says Patterson.
I met Patterson and ASB President Connor Stakelin at Tenino High School. As they showed me around I noticed a white board. Written in blue marker was the total raised so far: $1,054. A flood of donations poured in once the story made it onto KING 5 television. The next day KISW Radio called and pledged $500.
The money will eventually be put to good use helping students at the Crossover International Academy in Ghana. “The teachers and principal at the Academy are all volunteers,” says Stakelin. Paper, a thing we use every day is a luxury at the Crossover International Academy. “At the end of the day the students erase everything so they can use the piece of paper for the next day,” explains Stakelin.
Much has been made about the Tenino students being “tortured” by the onslaught of Bieber Fever. That’s not really true. Students and staff knew in advance and most were supportive because they believe in the cause. “Some would just empty their wallets with any loose change they had,” says Stakelin.
Patterson and Stakelin are impressive. Patterson will be attending Eastern Washington University in the fall and Staklein is staying local at Saint Martin’s University. Lost in the “Baby” frenzy is the real story about a group of young people banding together to help other young people. “We’re trying to save lives,” says Patterson.
Also lost is the connection between Tenino and the Crossover International Academy. Tenino Elementary Principal, David Ford, developed a relationship with his counterpart in Ghana over a year ago. Together, Ford, his students and the community at-large have sent money, soccer balls and textbooks to the area.
This specific project was designed to help feed people in Tongor-Attokrokpo, Ghana. A drought combined with intense heat destroyed the crops and growing season is still a few months away. Right now the younger children get two meals a day while the older children get one. The influx of money has created options. There’s talk of purchasing a cow. “We’re going to do more than we thought,” says Patterson.
I asked Stakelin and Patterson if they’d heard from Bieber yet. The answer, so far, is no. However, Patterson is a little worried. “I’m actually kind of nervous about his fans. They’re committed and if you offend Bieber then they’ll come after you.”
If that happens, I know a bunch of people who will come to Stakelin and Patterson’s defense. Their names are written on little paper hearts attached to a Ghana flag. These are not just people who gave money – they’re supporters.
If you’d like to help, visit Tenino High School with a donation or go online to www.gofundme.com/7gj50c.
