hope4ALZ – Norwalk High School
Norwalk High School students raise funds for Alzheimer’s Los Angeles
Since 2013, Dean Gray, an American government teacher at Norwalk High School, has encouraged his students to research and select a nonprofit to receive the proceeds from their student-led fundraising drive called “Giving Charity to Charities.” Norwalk High School celebrated its 11th Annual “Giving Charity to Charities” on March 9th and once again honored Alzheimer’s Los Angeles as one of its selected charities to support. This year’s juniors and seniors of Norwalk High School sold over 1,000 sweatshirts to their friends and family to support charities they care about.
Norwalk High School students presenting a check to Alzheimer’s Los Angeles on March 9, 2023.
“The kids do all the work,” Dean said. “They do the research, the selections, and the fundraising. It’s amazing!”
The student representatives, Tatiana and Stephany, selected Alzheimer’s Los Angeles as their charity because their families have personally been impacted by Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Tatiana, a senior, has been a champion of Alzheimer’s Los Angeles since her junior year. Tatiana mentioned that she liked how Alzheimer’s LA dedicates much of its funding towards programs that help families facing Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Norwalk High School students Stephany and Tatiana.
Stephany, a junior, shared that while her class did not select Alzheimer’s LA as their designated charity, she felt strongly about making a difference for others who are facing Alzheimer’s or another dementia. So, she hosted her bake sale on top of selling sweatshirts to raise extra funds for “Giving Charity to Charities” to support Alzheimer’s LA.
Adrianna, another senior , also shared how tough it was for her family after losing her grandfather. She expressed how grateful she was that an organization like Alzheimer’s LA exists to help people facing Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Norwalk High School’s “Giving Charity to Charities” have raised over $165,000 for over 140 different charities. This decade-long tradition in this high school highlights the impact of communities coming together and helping each other out.
Ready to follow the steps of these inspiring high school students? Contact Karmine Tawagon at ktawagon@alzla.org or (323) 930-6201 to learn how to create your own fundraiser!
Norwalk High School students presenting a check to Alzheimer’s Los Angeles in 2022.