By Joe St. Henry
Review Editor
Lake Orion High School is hosting its first Charity Week event, Oct. 17-21, supporting the community-based Michael Quinn Children’s Assistance Fund.
The weeklong effort is being led by members of the school’s leadership class.
Quinn was a Lake Orion student in the mid-1980s who was stricken with leukemia. Concerned citizens in the community joined forces in 1989 to raise funds to help the Quinn family pay for its son’s medical expenses. This act of charity led to the formation of the Fund.
Unfortunately, Quinn passed away in 1991, but the Fund has distributed thousands of dollars over the years to families with similarly ill children in Lake Orion and surrounding communities who need financial help.
According to Associate Principal Chris Bell, awareness of the Fund and its mission has waned in recent years. That is why the leadership class embraced it as the beneficiary of the school’s first Charity Week.
‘This is a great opportunity for our students to raise money on behalf of the school for this worthy cause,? he said.
Leadership advisor Lori Hogan concurred, adding the Fund’s local ties convinced the class this was the right group to support. ‘This charity is a very local and connected to our community,? she said. ‘People know the name and recognize the money raised will stay local.?
The Charity Week events kick off this Friday at the home varsity football game versus Farmington Hills Harrison. The leadership class is hosting a pre-game tailgate party for adults and younger children on the hill overlooking Lake Orion’s baseball fields, from 5-7 p.m. For $5, persons will be able to enjoy a variety of tailgate grub. A silent auction also is being held. All proceeds will go to the Fund.
At the game, a special donation table will be set up and leadership students also will be selling special Charity Week ribbons. In addition, the wrestling team is hosting a special 50/50 raffle with the proceeds to be given to the Fund.
‘This will be our biggest home game of the year,? said Bell, who added that the Michael Quinn Bowl will be played each year against various teams. ‘We draw a big crowd and it gives the community a chance to get involved in a positive thing in Lake Orion.?
Quinn’s parents now live out of state, but are returning to Lake Orion for the football game.
During the week, the high school will be hosting a number of themed days where students can donate to the fund, as well as conducting raffles and other related events. Local businesses also are involved in sponsoring activities during Charity Week.
Organizers of Charity Week hope to raise at least $5,000 for the Quinn Foundation.
‘This is our first year hosting something like this and I hope people embrace it,? Bell said. ‘The goal is to make it bigger each year.?