November 15th marked National Philanthropy Day and Cape Coral High School’s students celebrated that through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Gives Back luncheon.
For two weeks prior to the luncheon, the IB program collected money to help to an elderly couple, Tom and Mary Ann Bridges, who live in Punta Gorda.
Tom and Mary Ann were heavily affected by both Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. Their house was greatly damaged, and for the nights following the hurricane they were unable to even sleep in their own bedroom.
Thankfully, some friends of theirs were able to help them out and gave them a place to stay, however, their home was still damaged.
Caroline Toadvine heard the story and rallied the troops. The IB students were encouraged to donate $20 each.
In the IB spirit, a few students did go above and beyond, with one sophomore, Brettney Gallas, even raising over $1,000 for the cause.
A luncheon was held for the students, and a check was presented to Tom and Mary Ann for $10,000, which surpassed all expectations, as the goal for the event had been set at $8000.
Gallas gave a speech because she collected the most money by reaching out to everyone in her community of friends and family.
She touched their hearts with the story of Tom and Mary Ann, affecting them just as she had been.
“I was inspired by my peers and their dedication to the cause,” said Gallas. “IB Gives Back is an opportunity to grow and make a difference in the world in a meaningful way.”
Another student commissioned to give a speech was senior Abigail Cudnik. Cudnik helped in organizing and collecting the proceeds for Tom and Mary Ann.
At the luncheon she presented the check to the couple, but before that in her speech she said, “IB teaches us to answer the call and today we did just that. Each student, freshman to senior, answered the call to help our neighbors in need.”
The luncheon also featured a heartwarming march from the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps [JROTC]. Tom is a veteran, and he joined JROTC in saluting all who served and are currently serving.
Also, there were speeches given by; Principal Ryan Jackson, WINK News reporter Claire Gault, counselor Caroline Toadvine, IB counselor Katelyn Uhler, Tom and Mary Ann.
Claire Gault is the reporter who had originally interviewed the elderly couple and allowed their story to reach the amount of people it did.
“These two [Tom and Mary Ann] are the most humble, sweetest, loving two people I’ve ever met and I feel lucky to know them,” said Gault.
Tom and Mary Ann were blown away by the gesture, there were many tears shed at the event as the students had a chance to shake Tom’s hand and get a hug from Mary Ann.
“This has truly changed our lives, we’re different people now,” said Tom. “I can’t come up with the words to describe the overwhelming feeling we have about what you’ve done.”
