Rochester and Stoney Creek High Schools joined forces during the 2015 Charity Week, in memory of their classmate Gage Garmo, to raise more than $20,000 for The Rainbow Connection, the charity that fulfilled Gage’s wish to meet rapper Eminem.
Students from Rochester and Stoney Creek High Schools raised over $20,000 for Rainbow Connection in honor of Gage Garmo
These same students had waged a social media campaign that escalated and drew international attention when 17-year-old Gage, who had been battling cancer, was told he had just days to live.
Kelley Cusmano, Faculty Advisor to the student council at Rochester High School said “donating to make dreams come true for other kids turns grief into action. Gage was admired for his courage and great spirit through his four-year ordeal. Gage was so upbeat and selfless… this is just the next right thing to do.”
Skylar Garrett, charity week chair and a senior at Stoney Creek High School explained “We want to honor Gage Garmo and partnered with Rochester High School to make dreams come true for other kids like Gage.”
Representatives from both schools were at a check presentation at Rainbow Connection on Wednesday, May 13.
“These students provide a role model for us all in turning the sadness of losing their friend into a dream come true for other Michigan children suffering with life threatening illnesses. I am not surprised; these students were driven to succeed! Still, I am so proud of what they have accomplished and we are so grateful for their donation. It will have a great and immediate positive impact for the Michigan children and families we serve” said Executive Director Mary Grace McCarter.
The Rainbow Connection, the Michigan charity making dreams come true for Michigan children stricken with life threatening also provides support services to the family. From a magical trip to Disney World to biking down volcanoes in Hawaii to meeting the President of the United States, The Rainbow Connection has made dreams come true for over 2,800 children and anticipates making dreams come true for more than 150 children in 2015.
