Whitnall Fundraiser for Allyssa Olson a Success

They wore them backwards, forwards and sideways. They all wore them for Allyssa Olson.

Students, teachers and administrators at participated in a fundraiser for their classmate-in-need, paying a “fee” to wear a hat during school hours Friday.

The asking rate for the privilege to wear the hat and a blue ribbon pin was $2, but many gave much more for Olson, on April 29.

“We’ve been amazed with how much money people have donated, how supportive people have been of her during this terrible time,” said senior Erika Eykmans, the school’s Student Senate secretary. “People have come in with a $20 bill and said keep the change, give it to her, she needs it.

“She’s in a financial crisis. She doesn’t really have anybody, any family left. It was important to get the students hyped up about it.”

Members of the Student Senate came up with the fundraiser last month while at a conference in Green Bay, where they heard a story of another school doing a “Hats On” fundraiser for a student with leukemia, according to Student Senate president Colleen Jaskulski.

Because Olson has been wearing her brother’s hat as a sign of remembrance, senate members felt the fundraiser would be a fitting tribute.

“When we heard the news about Allyssa, we tried to think of something creative we could do that would involve the whole school and that everybody would be excited for,” Jaskulski said.

Student Senate members collected money and sold pins throughout the week, and as of Friday morning had raised more than $1,600.

“Even if they’re not wearing hats, they’ve got the ribbon on, so it shows they care,” Jaskulski said. “It’s really humbling as we sat there at lunch, and people were handing us twenties and not asking for change. It makes you realize that no matter how difficult high school can be, at times everyone can come together and support one person.”

Student Senate advisor Taylor Townsend had Olson in class last year. She said she felt compelled to help and make other people aware of Olson’s tragic situation and said there are plans to extend the “Hats On” effort.

Other efforts made for Olson include the district starting a bank fund where people can direct deposit donations, and the booster club will raffle off an iPad.