In an effort to raise money for their team and help others in
need, the Ponderosa High School boys lacrosse team spent time
helping build seven Habitat for Humanity homes in Commerce City. On
March 12, team members spent eight hours working on the
construction of the new homes and building functional accessories
to go with the homes.
Before the work day, players sent letters to friends and
families telling them about the fundraising project. The goal was
for each player to earn $300 in donations from friends and family
members. The team would help build the homes and give 10 percent to
15 percent of the money donated to Habitat for Humanity.
Shelli Mango, a member of the lacrosse booster club, said the
team has done different fundraisers in the past, but this year it
also wanted to raise money for an organization that needed
help.
“Most teams have to do some type of fundraiser, and this one is
our biggest,” she said. “We have done things in the past like
selling coupon books, but this year we really wanted to do
something more community oriented.”
The players also appreciated a change in fundraising
opportunities.
“I liked working on this project better than selling something
door to door for my team fundraiser,” senior Joey Meier said.
Mango said the response from family members and friends was
amazing. Leading up to March 12, the team already had raised
$11,000. She was impressed by the team’s hard work getting the word
out about the fundraiser.
“The players had to take their own time and write personal
letters to the people they knew,” she said. “They have had such a
positive attitude and have worked hard. They were all excited about
the opportunity to be able to help build homes and help people who
need it.”
Spending time building the homes taught the players the benefit
of helping others.
“This was a good experience to see how we can help families in
need,” said Damon Mango, a sophomore.
