The Student Athletic Advisory Committee is raising money to buy teddy bears for children at Hendrick Medical Center.
Young patients at Hendrick Medical Center have been wishing for more teddy bears, and with the holidays coming up, SAAC felt it would be a good idea to make their wish come true. SAAC wanted to make their holidays a little brighter by giving them teddy bears as a surprise gift.
Representatives from each sport told their teammates about donating to the cause, and every student athlete was given the opportunity to contribute to helping the children.
Once people donated money, they were able to sign and write a note on a paper bear that will be hung on a Christmas tree in the Campus Center.
“I think this fundraiser was a really good source of awareness for all students and athletes alike because it was a great reminder that Christmas is about helping others and showing Christ’s love,” said Kenzie Walker, sophomore nursing major from Abilene. “These bears are more than just gifts or presents for these kids and their families, it’s a way for us as an ACU community to say we are thinking and praying for them.”
With 330 student athletes at ACU, a small contribution from each individual can really add up.
“Our goal was to raise $1,000,” said Kyle Karnei, sophomore accounting major from Waco. “Right now, we are over $1,600, and we are still waiting on a few more teams to turn in donations.”
In exceeding the goal amount, SAAC raised enough money to help more people than just those at Hendrick Medical Center.
The extra money received went toward helping the members of SAAC sponsor a family at Taylor Elementary School for a true Thanksgiving dinner.
“I think that this project shows that if everyone pitches in, then a big difference can be made,” Karnei said. “This is a real example of student athletes being real examples of Christ.”
Karnei and Walker were captivated with the generosity of the ACU community once donations started pouring in. Because of the support from fellow ACU athletes, SAAC is able to fulfill the wishes of children during this holiday season.
“We are always looking for a way to get involved in the community and felt that we could make a lasting impression with kids who are in some of the most trying stages of their lives,” Karnei said.
