The motto of CAPA, a creative and performing arts magnet school located in downtown Pittsburgh, is “Believe . . . Work to Achieve . . . and Succeed!” Erin Sestric of Mt. Washington did just that. For a freshman CAPA class project, Erin initiated, advertised, and successfully completed a fundraiser event to purchase new books for the Moulis Children’s Library at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
The Moulis Children’s Library, a “white-coat-free zone”, provides recreational reading and viewing materials for children of all ages admitted into the hospital.
Erin arranged with Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Robinson Township to hold a daylong event, during which 20 percent of purchases made by customers mentioning the event would be donated to Erin’s cause. Scheduled throughout the day were activities to promote participation in the fundraiser. These included:
• A reading corner, where volunteers read to children
• A gift wrap table, staffed by Erin and other volunteers
• A “think fun table,” with crayons, coloring pages, face-painting, and puzzles
• Visits from “Literacy Dogs,” dogs with their handlers that encourage children to learn to read
• A scavenger hunt
The main entertainment was provided by students from Rosalene Kenneth Professional Dance Studio, to which Erin belongs. Thirty students ranging from ages 4-18 volunteered their time and talents to help Erin raise funds for the Moulis Children’s Library.
Thus far, Erin has raised over $750 in addition to book donations. Using the money and a discount card provided by Barnes and Noble, Erin is purchasing books from the Library’s wish list, compiled by Andrea Ketchum, reference librarian. Andrea states that “Erin has already delivered a tableful of some of the latest, hottest titles for children and we are delighted to add them to our collection”. Kudos to Erin for a job well done!
~ Andrea Ketchum and Melissa Ratajeski