DECA collects funds to assist children’s hospital

DECA is expecting to provide INOVA Fairfax Hospital for Children with what is likely one of the largest-ever lump donations to the hospital, said DECA member Rachel Killmeyer.

“We just decided to work with them and come up with what they needed,” she said.

Members of DECA have spent the past week collecting items for patients at the hospital as part of their “Treats for Treatment” project.

Headed by DECA officers and juniors Luke Dzeidzic, Rachel Killmeyer and Lauryn Johnson, the project asked for specific items on young patients’ wish list, such as markers, playing cards, bubbles and play dough. In addition, it allowed people to contribute to the “Wish List” fund.

“To [Dec. 15], Marshall DECA has raised $1,200 of their $2,000 goal in donations to purchase more items from the Wish List,” DECA advisor Jen Hendrickson said via email.

According to Hendrickson, product donations have also been coming in “every day,” but as of press time the official count was unknown. DECA’s goal was 300 product donations on top of the $2000, according to Johnson.

The program also integrated was not limited to just this; it also facilitated several events during the week.

According to the official DECA press release, Development Officer with INOVA Health System Foundation Leigh Bauman held a presentation last Tuesday in Michael Hall on how the project will benefit young patients.

On Thursday and Friday, DECA worked with Jason’s Deli and Chili’s to donate ten percent of the purchases to the cause.

Additionally, a silent auction was held in the main office. Auctioned items included restaurant gift cards, autographed Redskins memorabilia and Washington Capitals tickets.

DECA annually chooses a charitable organization to work with in a project.

“As we talked to people we realized how many … have connections with the hospital, especially the children’s wing,” Johnson said via Facebook.