Young Philanthropists at Immaculate Heart of Mary Grant Over $4,000 to Ken Anderson Alliance
April 21, 2022 | Written by Lindsey Barta, Leslie Odioso, and Tina Ramundo
Ken Anderson holds the check presented to the Ken Anderson Alliance by 8th graders from Immaculate Heart of Mary School during their Giving Ceremony on May 5, 2022.
8th Graders at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) School are proving to us all that anyone, at any age, can be a philanthropist. Through their involvement in the Magnified Giving program, Mrs. Tina Ramundo’s 8th grade class learned how to give their time, talent, and treasure, and then engaged in a hands-on fundraising and grant-making process to support their chosen nonprofit, the Ken Anderson Alliance. These passionate youth joined over 3,000 students in the tri-state area who learned about the importance of philanthropy and giving, visited and volunteered at local nonprofits, and ultimately awarded $1,000 or more to the nonprofit of their choice through the Magnified Giving program. Each program participating in Magnified Giving receives $1,000 to grant, but youth at IHM went above and beyond to raise additional funds through a successful school-wide Super Bowl fundraiser, ultimately granting $4,364 to the Ken Anderson Alliance.
Representatives from Immaculate Heart of Mary and their chosen nonprofit pose for a “group photo” during their virtual Giving Ceremony in May 2021 to celebrate their efforts during the 2020-2021 school year.
Magnified Giving, based in Evendale, OH, was started by local philanthropist Mr. Roger Grein in 2008 to help young people recognize needs in the community and show them how to use their own time, talent, and treasure to address those needs. Magnified Giving involves students in the grant-making process, touching their hearts and minds in the process, and ultimately supporting dozens of nonprofits each year with passionate student volunteers and Magnified Giving funds. Throughout April and May, Magnified Giving holds award ceremonies, or “Giving Ceremonies,” in-person and via Zoom to celebrate students and schools as they present checks to their selected charities in front of friends, family, and the community. IHM held a special Giving Ceremony during a school-wide assembly to present their grant to the Ken Anderson Alliance, and they’re thrilled that Ken Anderson himself surprised the students and shared a special message of gratitude and encouragement. IHM 8th graders did an amazing job planning and facilitating the program. In addition to Mr. Anderson, the program featured representatives from Magnified Giving and five Ken Anderson Alliance participants who shared how their lives have been impacted by the program.
The Ken Anderson Alliance (KAA) is on a mission to build hope by creating groundbreaking LIVE, WORK, and ENGAGE opportunities for adults with disabilities. Ken Anderson Alliance is a safe, collaborative community built on kindness and acceptance. KAA supports meaningful connections for our most vulnerable community members. Ken Anderson, founder of KAA and former quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, will share with the students why he started KAA, what KAA has achieved, and his hopes for the future. Kevin Potts, Executive Director for KAA says: “This grant will help fund a new Engage program for adults ages 18-22 who are seeking social experiences and life skills training outside their school-related programs.”
This is the 5th year that Immaculate Heart of Mary has partnered with Magnified Giving to award grants to local nonprofits. Teacher Tina Ramundo commented on the past year, “Our students always look forward to their 8th grade year when they can finally lead the school through the Magnified Giving program. It has become a rite of passage at our school. Through the program, our 8th graders come to value themselves as true philanthropists. They begin to blossom as servant leaders, finding new gifts and talents in themselves as they discover their voice and the joy of giving. " Mrs. Ramundo’s students shared what the experience meant to them: “Magnified Giving taught me how truly easy being a philanthropist is and how we can change lives.” Another student shares why they selected KAA for the grant: “The Ken Anderson Alliance helps all people with disabilities. I have a family member who has been helped by this organization. This Alliance does amazing things!”
The 8th grade students at IHM raised additional funds by encouraging their classmates to donate $2 or more so they could wear Bengal-themed apparel leading up to the Super Bowl. The students also created social media posts, contributed to the school newsletter, and made announcements over the PA educating everyone about the mission of KAA and encouraging classmates to participate. The students responded with friendly competition between grade levels and classrooms demonstrating their enthusiasm to support their hometown hero Ken Anderson in his efforts to lift up and empower adults with disabilities.