Members of the Sustainability Club collaborated with the Upper School Community Service Club to fundraise for the Palisades High School music program that lost its instruments in the recent California wildfires, which burned tens of thousands of acres of residential, academic, and commercial land across Los Angeles. The Sustainability and Community Service Clubs partnered with Belmont High School’s UNICEF Club to sell 100 candy bags during the Belmont Hill-Lawrence Academy varsity hockey game. Their efforts raised around $1,300 to help the Palisades High School extracurricular programs.
A pivotal leader in the fundraiser, Griffin Calhoun ’26, remarked: “The fundraiser means a lot for us because we can empathize with students who recently lost their school in the Palisades fires. It’s something to be proud of.” Alex Zhang ’26, who also organized and led the event, shared similar sentiments: “I am really proud of the work everyone put in for the event. As someone who has family in the LA area…I’m really happy that we were able to help relieve some of their struggles.” Alex was also “really thankful for the students at Belmont High” for their help and cooperation.
The Sustainability and Community Service clubs have future joint plans, including an on-campus candy sale in the spring and collaborations with Belmont High School. The lofty goal of raising $5,000 is only achievable with participation across the Belmont Hill community. The clubs are thankful for the money raised, and they hope that students continue to aid communities in need in these rewarding and impactful experiences.