Here at Mason City High School, we are barking up the right tree and raising money for Veteran’s Day with something slightly out of the ordinary: dogs! Student Senate wanted to bring more unique and dynamic to their Veteran’s Day fundraiser. They partnered with Retrieving Freedom to raise money for our veterans. Retrieving Freedom is an organization that trains service dogs to be partnered with veterans who need them, and all of the money raised from through November 9th will be given to this foundation.
For the fundraiser, Student Senate decided to have teachers compete against each other. If teachers raise $250 each, their pup gets to come to school with them for the day! There are eight teachers raising money: Laura Grommesh, Katie Kelly, Bryan Bjorklund, Michelle Buseman, Ben Fistler, Nicole Cadena, and Marcia Boster. Ms. Grommesh, the German teacher and Student Senate advisor, is fundraising for her dog Lydia. Lydia is a ten-year-old chocolate Lab who is very energetic and friendly. Ms. Grommesh explained the reason for choosing Retrieving Freedom. “Retrieving Freedom is an Iowa organization, and we are hoping to have a demonstration during lunch in the commons one day.” The demonstration would include bringing dogs in to show students what they do to train service dogs before they place them with veterans. Be sure to donate to the teachers competing in their classrooms or in the main office before November 9th!