On May 12, West Ranch’s Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy club hosted an after-school carnival from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to raise money for youth transitioning out of the foster care system and into adulthood. 

   Chick-Fil-A club is part of a national high school leadership program sponsored by Chick-Fil-A. Their main focus is making a positive impact within their communities. This year, the West Ranch club raised money for an ambitious new project designed to help local foster children.

   The club’s ambassador Emily Kim described the motivation behind centering their project on foster kids. “Mrs. Christensen actually brought up the idea to help out the foster youth. When they turn 18, they are almost left alone to raise themselves into adulthood without any support. As the club discussed this cause, we were really encouraged to support them through that journey.”

   Mrs. Christensen elaborated on why a foster youth carnival was selected by the club: “We thought it would be fun for the community to have something where everyone can come out and celebrate the end of the [school] year and the end of AP exams.” She added, “We chose something that would be related to the age of students on campus and something they can conceptualize like how [aging out of the foster care system] would be a big struggle.”

   Money was fundraised through festival booths like ring toss, face painting and bean bag toss. Students could purchase a ticket to spend on an activity for a chance to win a prize. In addition to games and face painting, the carnival had enticing events such as a raffle for the opportunity to throw a whipped cream pie at some of our West Ranch staff.

   While playing games and engaging in other activities, people could enjoy food from Chick-Fil-A. For $12, buyers could purchase a chicken sandwich, potato chips, water and a variety of sauces. Chick-Fil-A’s cow mascot, sporting a humorous sign saying “Eat mor Chikin,” played ring toss alongside guests and brightened carnival participants’ and volunteers’ day by offering group pictures.

   Many staff members and volunteers, including members of other West Ranch organizations, participated in these carnival activities. Kim described, “[We] had donations through NHS and Key Club, and throughout the club as well, and had people volunteering through those clubs. We also had clubs sign up to run the different booths.” 

   ASB member and West Ranch junior Isha Santhosh shared her thoughts on the carnival. “I was working with ASB, so I came out to support them. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s really great to be able to do something nice for the community. We’re going to raise a lot of money tonight.”

   West Ranch Wildcats were able to contribute to the worthwhile cause of helping foster children transition out of the foster care system thanks to the immense amount of effort and creativity put in by the Chick-Fil-A club.