Putnam City Schools

A silent auction is the first of many events Putnam City North High School students are staging to help wishes come true for Allie, a 4-year-old, and Dylan, a 14-year old, two children with life-threatening illnesses.

The fund-raising efforts for the most part take place in what students know as “Heisman Week.”

"We participate in Heisman Week to inspire students to make a difference in the lives of people around us. It’s also a way to spread the joy of serving and helping others," says Hayley Parker, the treasurer for Students United of North, the school’s student council.

To help Dylan and Allie, Putnam City North students have several plans in the works to raise $20,000.

Silent Auction
The first part of the fund-raising plan is a silent auction to be held Friday, Feb. 10, during home basketball games against Edmond North High School. Bidding in the silent auction will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will close at the end of halftime of the boys’ game. Anyone in attendance at the games is welcome to bid.

The silent auction features several dozen items.

Sports fans will have the ability to bid on items such as Thunder tickets, a round of golf, and footballs signed by Sam Bradford and Bob Stoops.

For people looking for some special food, the auction includes numerous restaurant gift cards, food for 25 people from Bubba’s BBQ, a catered dinner for eight from Ned’s Catering, a gift basket from One Smart Cookie and a shopping spree at Crest Foods.

The auction will also include coveted items such as Northface jackets for men and women, Oakley sunglasses and a night at the Colcord Hotel accompanied by brunch or dinner at Stella’s.

Kathy Kutch, student council sponsor, says students worked hard to get items for the silent auction, but that their parents also deserve thanks.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of parents of students in our Leadership classes. They have made all the difference,” Kutch says.

Other Fund-raising Activities
In addition to the silent auction, Putnam City North students are planning fund-raising activities such as carnival games, a sock hop and dodgeball, basketball and Powderpuff football tournaments. Students will get extra motivation when Dylan and Allie are introduced to the student body on March 28.

Making a Difference
Putnam City North students have experience helping grant wishes. Last year was the first year Putnam City North students raised funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Students raised more than $11,000 to send one child to Disneyworld and build a playground for another child.

Malachi Brenner, the husband of Putnam City North journalism teacher Lynsie Brenner, received help when he was a teen from an organization similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It meant a lot, he says.

“I really appreciate the generosity of everyone who donates to gift-granting programs. I had to miss out on a lot when I was sick, but having my wish granted got my mind off the cancer and the treatments I was dealing with. While a vacation or a shopping trip may be taken for granted by a healthy person, to a child facing a serious disease, it makes a huge difference in their spirits. I think it's great that Putnam City North students are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of these kids,” Brenner says.

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Born in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 65 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 185,000 wishes in the U.S. since inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oklahoma, visit www.oklahoma.wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish.®