DIANE FOWLER

Tommie Barfield Elementary School got to choose their favorite charities, then the Upon a Star Foundation presented those charities with financial gifts. In the back, from left, are Garrett Rasmussen of the Boys & Girls Club, Howard Jordan, president of the Upon a Star Foundation, Linda Zimmer of the Foundation and MJ Weibling of Special Olympics with children who voted.

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Dave Anderson, successful American Indian entrepreneur, once said, “Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.”

Thanks to Upon a Star Foundation, Tommie Barfield Elementary School (TBE) students got the opportunity to give to their favorite charities.

Earlier this month Howard Jordan, Upon a Star Foundation president, presented checks to three local organizations on behalf of the TBE students. This event occurred live on the TBE Morning Show, an in-school television program which presents daily school news to staff and students.

All grade levels got to vote for their favorite charities to guide Jordan.

Gail Zimmer, Upon a Star Foundation board member, said grades kindergarten through third cast their votes on Jan. 29.

“They were all provided with ‘I Voted’ stickers to represent voting day all over Florida,” Zimmer said.

There was high voter turnout among the students, with 302 students voting.

“The students were asked to choose the programs they believe have a positive impact on those less fortunate, and foster family values,” Zimmer said. “This process has a very positive impact on the students. The classes met the representatives from each community organization.”

The Collier County organizations receiving the most votes were Humane Society, Special Olympics, and Boys and Girls Club.

Each organization received $1,000 per grade level, with kindergarten voting for Boys and Girls Club and second grade voting for Special Olympics. The Humane Society came out a big winner, being presented with a check for $2,000, because they were selected as the overall charity of choice.

The fourth and fifth graders voted earlier. The fourth grade chose the Boys and Girls Club, while the fifth grade voted for Toys for Tots. Their choices came just in time for the holidays.

Voting for the Humane Society, from Diane Jerrett’s first grade class, was Ethan Van Boven, 6. He voted from the heart.

“I voted for the Humane Society because we got our black and brown dog, Sarah, from them,” he said. “Sarah likes to play fetch with a ball, and she protects me. She is a loving pet.”

Cheryl Reinke’s second grade student, Will Glasser, 8, also participated in the voting.

“My teacher told us about the voting,” he said. “Some of the charities we could vote for were the Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, and Special Olympics.”

His class chose the Special Olympics.

“It felt pretty good to be able to help. Next time, I might vote for the Red Cross. I remember that they helped the victims of the California fires and the New Orleans hurricane victims. They even helped with hurricane victims here in Florida.”

The representatives of the organizations were pleased to be chosen by the students.

“I was so surprised, and very grateful to the students,” said Stephen Wright of the Humane Society. “This donation will be a huge help for the orphaned pets.”

Garrett Rasmussen of Boys and Girls Club, said, “It’s nice that the kids are giving back to the community. It’s really neat that they went through the whole process of voting for their favorite charities. Boys and Girls Club appreciates the donation.”

MJ Weibling, school coordinator for Special Olympics, said, It’s great that the kids voted for us. We are always looking for all kinds of help for Special Olympics.

On Feb. 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be a Special Olympics at Golden Gate High School.

“We have a great need for transportation. If anyone is interested in helping in any way, please contact us at 775-1991,” he said.

Upon a Star is already making plans for continuing this program to coincide with the upcoming elections.

“Our special thanks must go to Principal Jory Westberry of TBE, and all the teachers who participated in the effort,” Zimmer said.