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WEST JORDAN — From bake sales to coupon cards and candy bars, fundraising comes in many different forms. One high school drill team, however, is taking fundraising efforts to a whole new level, by paying it forward.
Several months ago the Copper Hills High School Azurettes Drill Team decided to think outside the box of cookies to raise money for the upcoming season, and assess the needs of the community.
The idea: every dollar earned would represent a random act of kindness that a team member would do for another person.
According to senior drill team member Jessi Kamp, the team and parent volunteers, decided that a fundraiser focused on kindness to others would be a way to bring happiness to people during the pandemic, while also complying with social distancing.
"All of the moms got together to think of ideas for a fundraiser that we were able to still obey social distancing," Kamp said. "They thought of a few different companies that sell food gift cards or buy-one-get-one-free ideas. But then one of the moms knew about this online fundraiser company where you get to choose what your focus will be for your fundraiser. We thought random acts of kindness would be a way to bring happiness to a lot of people during this pandemic."
The fundraising organization is called Anython, and is an online platform that allows teams and organizations to create unique fundraisers that cater to the individual goals of both the organization and members. According to Territory Director for Anython in Utah, Suzie Carlson, the random acts of kindness fundraiser the Azurettes are doing is a win-win for everyone.
"Who doesn’t want to see their teen going about doing good in our community and helping others?" Carlson said. "It’s a win-win for everyone!"
Kamp agreed, saying that turning the focus on another in return for the generosity shown to them has helped her be more aware of the needs of others.
"I was really excited when I heard about the fundraiser," Kamp said. "When I first heard about it, so many people's names and ideas of what I can do for them popped into my head! … It has helped me to look for ways to be kinder and more helpful."
According to Head Coach Kylie Erickson, it has been great to learn of all of the things the dancers are doing as a result of the fundraiser.
"The dancers did so many awesome random acts of kindness, from gardening, to baking cookies and weeding to teaching neighborhood kids free dance lessons," Erickson said. "We let each girl decide what they wanted to do for their service and it was so fun to see the variety of things they came up with."
The fundraiser began in mid-July, and has so far exceeded its goal of $16,000. Coach Erickson said she is grateful for the opportunity the fundraiser has given her team to serve the community that has been so good to them.
"The Copper Hills Drill Team has always striven to be respectful members and role models in our school and our community," Erickson wrote in an email. "This is a principle that has been instilled in this program for many, many years. As a coach, I aspire to teach these young women to find value in serving others, making an impact in their lives, and taking away important life lessons that extend beyond a dance floor."
The fundraiser will be open through August 18. Donors can pledge $1.50 or $2.50 for every act of kindness. Each dancer is expected to complete a minimum of 20 acts of kindness.
The donations go toward costumes, props and music, wand tax deductible. To donate to the Copper Hills High School Azurette’s Drill Team fundraiser, go to https://anython.com/azurettes.
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