Students of the Salem State University graduate program in occupational therapy recently donated a total of $10,000 to four local and global non-profit organizations, including: American Red Cross of Peabody, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Vanishing White Matter Family Foundation, and NEADS World Class Service Dogs.
Each organization received $2,500 as a result of extensive fundraising over the past four years by the students. Students also raised $2,000 for the class of 2019 and an additional $10,000 to cover the costs of the 15th Annual Student Research Conference held in March, which is an event for occupational therapy students to present research in emerging practice areas in the field of occupational therapy.
“This took tremendous effort and creativity on the part of all 33 students, and we are enormously proud of their ability to focus on community needs while completing a very rigorous graduate program,” said Jeramie Silviera, chairperson of the Salem State occupational therapy program. “The theme of their conference was ‘Giving Back to the Fullest’ which they succeeded in doing.”
The students raised money through numerous fundraising efforts including: silent auctions; comedy night fundraisers; and selling t-shirts, flowers, jewelry, and food. Many local community establishments, friends, and alumni donated items to auction.
The students researched local and national charities and wanted to give their support to organizations that helped people survive and live their life to their fullest potential which is the goal of the occupational therapy profession.
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Kimberly Burnett
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