Osborne Elementary students and staff raise money for families in need via school dance
Quaker Valley area families danced the night away as part of an Osborne Elementary fundraiser.
The K-5 school in Glen Osborne hosted its annual Polar Ball on Jan. 26.
More than 500 people showed up to support the event benefiting Osborne’s Roomful of Heart program, which helps needy families during the holiday season.
“This year’s Polar Ball was another wonderful night for our community,” Principal Ben Canan said. “The Osborne second grade did an awesome job putting together a great night for our families. We have such a generous Osborne family, and I’m beyond thankful for all the money that was raised to benefit our students in need.”
DJ Donnelly provided the music. There were gift baskets and other raffles along with arts and crafts.
Amy Quinn, second grade teacher and one of the event organizers, said the Polar Ball has taken place at least four years. There was a two-year break during the covid-19 pandemic.
The Polar Ball raised nearly $4,000 last year in support of the local Union Aid Society. It raised $4,325 for Roomful of Hearts this year.
Total fundraising to date for various charitable efforts is about $12,000.
Quinn thanked the many parents and Osborne Home and School Association members for volunteering at the dance. She also touted its educational elements.
“The Polar Ball is one component of a yearlong community service project in second grade,” Quinn said.
It connects to the science, social studies and math curricula.
During their second-grade year, the students learn about what makes up a community and how people have needs and wants, how the economy works, and how to count money and use a budget for spending and saving.
Students also discover they can support their community by helping others through fundraising and donating goods to those in need.
They learn that kids can make a big difference in their community.
Throughout the year, the second-grade students grow fresh vegetables and herbs in hydroponic gardens that are donated to local food banks.
More photos from the Polar Ball are available via the district’s Facebook page.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.
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