Amity High School named Connecticut Charity Champions Grand Prize Winners

Optimum Community held a Charity Champions Grand Prize Check Presentation to Amity Regional High School during the Senior Service Learning Program breakfast. US Senator Richard Blumenthal, CT State Representative Themis Klarides and Woodbridge First Selectman Ellen Scalettar attended the event to honor the Amity Community Action Club for their outstanding success raising money and awareness for the Herren Project: Project Purple Initiative this year. The anti-substance abuse initiative was founded by former NBA athlete Chris Herren, who visited the school last spring to tell his story about his battles with drug and alcohol addiction. The mission of the Project Purple Initiative is to break the stigma of addiction and bring awareness to the dangers of substance abuse. The Amity Community Action Club students chose to focus their fundraising efforts on this cause because the message of making good choices and supporting one another resonated with them. Club Advisor Amy Miller and Club President Jake Milner spoke about their fundraising efforts throughout the year, including the success of their school-wide “March Madness” event. Senator Blumenthal then addressed the students and congratulated them on their accomplishments, speaking about the importance of community service. Representative Klarides and First Selectman Scalettar also spoke and applauded the students’ efforts. Herren Project President Kevin Mikolazyk and Representative Jenny Swider attended the presentation to accept the $5,000 check and thanked the students for their hard work and commitment to their charity.

“Amity students deserve praise and gratitude for their dedication and motivation on behalf of The Herren Project and efforts to end substance abuse – a pervasive and significant problem that warrants urgent attention,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Thanks to the efforts of organizations like THP and Amity students, more people are getting the help they need. I applaud Optimum Community and its Charity Champions program for encouraging youth civic engagement and their commitment to supporting vital community organizations.”

State Representative Klarides noted, “You are all terrific role models for other young people and it is heartwarming to see such enthusiasm and spirit. Your charitable efforts have helped provide THP with additional support. I thank Optimum Community for bringing this program to the students in our area.”

“I applaud your fundraising efforts and success in the Charity Champions program,” said First Selectman Scalettar. “The funds raised exceeded expectations and will be a meaningful contribution to the Purple Project. Your efforts demonstrate the high level of community engagement and volunteerism at Amity High School.”