Schools join up to get Fisher House funding

Fifth-graders from Heritage Academy and Westminster Schools of Augusta took a break from their classrooms a week ago to participate in a fun lesson about community service.

On March 12, the pupils took turns bowling at Brunswick Lanes to raise money for a Fisher House at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, which will provide lodging for patients' family members. It was the first time the schools have worked together, said Linda Tucciarone, the executive director of Heritage Academy.

"Our school received several bowling vouchers from a parent, and we wanted to do something with them to help others," she said. "Westminster has wanted to do something with us for some time, so we figured raising money for a cause would be a great way for the schools to come together."

It was also a good way for the two private schools to show unity, said Theresa Bone, a fifth-grade teacher at Westminster.

"It's a chance for our students to form friendships with each other and together learn about the importance of serving others," she said.

Morgan Blair said the event let the pupils give back to the community.

"I've had fun doing this because it's going to a good cause and people should always help others when they can," said the 11-year-old Heritage pupil. "The community helps my school a lot, and now we are helping our community."

The Fisher House was chosen because many of the pupils and teachers at both schools have family members in the military, said Barbara Volpitto, a fifth-grade teacher at Westminster.

"It's very close to the hearts of many at both schools," she said. "When a family member is sick or injured, it means a lot to families to be there with them. The Fisher House allows many military families to do that."

Eleven-year-old Ethan Lynch said he kept those families in mind as he asked for pledges.

"I've never been through that, but I know I wouldn't like it if my dad was sick and far away from me and I couldn't go to see him," said the Westminster pupil. "I think it's important to have a place where families can stay when their family member is in the hospital."

The Fisher House will be at the VA medical center's Uptown Division on Wrightsboro Road and will have 21 bedrooms that can accommodate 16 to 42 families. Another Fisher House is at Fort Gordon.

Many of the pupils took pledges based on the number of pins they bowled over. Others received donations for the fundraising effort before the event, Dr. Tucciarone said.

Heritage pupils had raised nearly $900 by March 12. Westminster totals had not been calculated.

The pupils' efforts are appreciated, said Freddie Swint, the senior vice commander for the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Georgia.

"It's great to see kids this young thinking about others and being excited about it," he said. "In this case, it's the kids who are investing in our future."

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.