Athens’ Charity Week raises thousands for local nonprofit

TROY — A local charity can continue its mission, thanks to a donation of $115,184.24 raised through Athens High School’s annual Charity Week fundraising.

Charity Week is one of the school’s oldest traditions, combining spirit week activities with efforts to raise money for worthy causes in the community.

“Charity Week is a week-ish-long series of programs,” explained senior Madi Emmitt, the Athens Student Council president. “I would say some of the highlights of this week, for me, have been our volleyball tournament on Wednesday, our Express Yourself talent show (and) our Mister Athens competition (Thursday) night, which is like a satirical beauty pageant.”

The organization that received the funds this year is Carol’s Angels and Warriors, which provides aid to those escaping from violent situations.

“We provide resources and funding to victims and survivors of trauma, loss, and abuse,” explained co-founder Emily Shankie. “We focus on a direct cash assistance approach. We are focused on private funding, so we can decide where our money can go and no one has any restrictions on how they can use it. We are a community partner with Turning Point in Mount Clemens, and we get referrals from them as well as other Macomb County and Oakland County organizations.”

“Because it’s all privately funded, there are no geographical limitations either,” added her co-founder, Samantha Simons. “If someone wants to come home to Michigan to get out of a bad situation, we have no boundaries, so we can help them.”

Shankie said that they were blown away by the support they received from the Athens community and broke into tears upon seeing the full amount unveiled on the final day of Charity Week, Feb. 17.

“I am pleased regardless of the amount. Just being chosen and the fact that all of these people are coming together gives me goosebumps,” she remarked. “All of these people are talking about things and working together to help those seeking safety and potentially saving lives. There’s so many bad things happening in the world, it’s amazing that this many people can come together and agree on something good.”

Emmitt said they were pleased to work with Carol’s Angel’s and Warriors because, since the organization was only started in 2021, their contributions would have a greater impact than if they donated to a more established nonprofit.

“It’s a fairly new charity, and we like working with startups, because our money is able to give them the boost they need to really help people,” said Emmitt. “Their model is that they provide direct cash assistance to victims of domestic abuse. They have figured out that it takes approximately $600 in the state of Michigan to save someone from a domestic abuse situation. They provide emergency cash to them to remove themselves from that situation.”

Events during Charity Week include pep rallies, competitions, sporting events and contests between the four high school classes.

“We start planning in October when we start accepting applications for charities. Over winter break we are creating committees and chairs. Then we start seriously preparing after the break,” Emmitt said. “A lot of these events are tried and tested. Some are almost traditions. We did pilot some new programs. Senior Sidekicks is one we run every year. It is where an underclassman has a senior buddy who walks them to all their classes while dressed up in costumes, like as a superhero. Coin Stalls is what we replaced our Penny Wars competition with this year on a trial basis. As we go, we see how we can make it more fun or more beneficial to the charity.”

Shankie said she had a difficult time picking out her favorite part of the week.

“The carnival night was great. I got to bring my kids to that,” she said. “One of the first events was the belly flop competition at the kickoff. My kids loved that. It’s hard to pick one favorite event because it was all so awesome. They did such a good job putting it all together. Everyone was so happy and enthusiastic about it.”

Both she and Emmitt said that the way Charity Week can bring people together is impressive.

“My favorite part of Charity Week is the way it brings the student body and the community together,” said Emmitt. “Ask any Athens student what the most memorable part of attending Athens is, and they will tell you it’s Charity Week. It’s so unique and special.”

Shankie said that the funds raised this week will help countless people and perhaps even save lives.

“It has been very exciting this week. I am in awe of these students and how they are working together as a team and how they have come together to support a good cause,” said Shankie. “We want to thank everyone who helped and put their time in. We know how much time and effort it takes to put together a fundraiser, so the fact that they were able to put together 30 in a week and a half is amazing. These kids are awesome, and they are going to do great things someday.”