A river of support: seniors raise $45K for local youth non-profit

By Tyme Sisakvanich

Last December, these seniors had the opportunity to meet with children the non-profit supports. 

Dance coordinator Molly Walther tells CR News that the experience was a great way to truly see what they’re raising money for.

Friends of the Children Executive Director Allison Pauletto shared how impressed she was with how many seniors showed up, noting their authentic engagement with the children through arts and crafts, playing in the gym, relating to stories of middle school drama, and an “epic game” of Jenga.

These efforts were the main focus of this year’s student-organized Mr. and Miss pageant; senior Emerson Haney leading the event’s coordination. 

Throughout their time in the pageant, contestants created their own unique ways to raise money – from offering Christmas gift wrapping services to arranging a Men’s volleyball match against Ridgefield.

After weeks of rehearsal, and taking place last Saturday at the Skyview Auditorium, friends, family, and loved ones gathered to watch their contestants showcase various dances, skits, and talents. 

Ranging from a parody of Olympic breakdancing to a serenade of Young the Giant’s “Mind Over Matter,” the pageant also featured a parent walk, in which seniors honored those who have played a major role in their personal development.

After the performances concluded, the title of “Mr. & Miss” Columbia River was awarded to Brendan Cano and Reese Dunning, who helped raise over $45,800 alongside other contestant couples.

“Watching him perform tonight just means the world to us. And the cause is tremendous,” Cano’s grandfather, Bob Cano, shares. “We’re so proud of him.”

Dunning affirms she’s “very grateful” that she “got to fundraise this enormous amount of money to help these foster kids have a better chance at an education and impact a life.”

Assistant Coordinator and contestant Mae Otoupal believes that “seeing how hard [seniors worked] to promote something that they actually care about their communities is really inspiring.”

“We’ve grown together as a team and became closer friends. We’ve all learned so much more about each other, and about the program that we were fundraising for,” Lexi Shrock adds.

Pauletto told those in the auditorium she’s “grateful that the kiddos in our program, who live really complicated lives, know that there are seniors at Columbia River who cared enough to choose to spend time with them.”