St. Mary’s Academy Raises $113,000 During Annual Bridge Walk

Saturday, October 17, 2015
GoLocalPDX News Team

Students on this years Blue Bridge Walk; courtesy of St. Mary's Academy

St. Mary’s Academy students shattered a school record last week when they raised more than $113,000 in support of the Blues Bridge Walk, the school’s annual student-led fundraiser.

"I am so proud of the students' involvement this year,” said Kat Reiner, St. Mary’s assistant director of special events. “Their commitment to the school is proven by the fact that they were able to exceed their school-wide goal, in part, due to the extraordinary work from our Blues Bridge Walk student committees. Committee members applied for specific internships with staff members, allowing our students to be directly involved in fundraising strategies, communication materials and logistical planning.”

Each year, students are challenged to raise $150 each in support of their school. Fundraising kicked-off in September for the challenge, which is marked by a 3.75-mile walk over Steel and Hawthorne Bridges and a pep rally.

"The Blues Bridge Walk fundraiser is one of my favorite times of the year because it offers me a perfect opportunity to update my family and friends on all the wonderful experiences St. Mary's provides,” said Alysa Wulf, a senior at the school. “I am delighted that we were able to reach our school-wide goal - these funds truly benefit all aspects of the St. Mary's experience.”

This year’s walk emphasized health and wellness. The school hosted yoga and Zumba classes, held a faculty FitBit Step Challenge and asked students and other members of the school community submit “healthy selfies” to raise awareness of the importance of physical fitness.