Eight years ago, the “Party With a Purpose” (PWAP) tradition began among local independent schools such as Winsor School, Newton Country Day (NCDS), Belmont Hill, and Dana Hall. The main goal of this event is to give patients a night honoring them while raising money for aspects of their hospital care.
Angela Macedo, Upper School Science Faculty and Director of Community Service noted that the PWAP planning process is completely student-driven, with monthly meetings since the beginning of the school year. She explains that “it’s very great to see students get excited and involved in such a great cause.” Students in these meetings collaborate by splitting up into committees to help make the night run smoothly. This year’s committee breakdowns follow:
Dana Hall: Food Donations
The Rivers School: Social Media
Winsor School: Decorations
Belmont Hill: Host of Event
A renowned tradition of PWAP is the merchandise for sale year to year. This year, PWAP leaders from participating schools took submissions for a new logo design to be featured on the merchandise. Sweatshirts ($40), Tek hooded long sleeve ($35), short/long sleeve shirts ($25/$35), and pom beanies ($25) were the offerings this year. In addition to the merchandise, an annual rose-to-drive around Valentine’s Day between participating schools is held. Students were able to send a single rose ($5) or bouquet ($40) to someone at their school, Winsor, Belmont Hill, or NCDS. Rivers decided to participate in the donations by offering a Candy Gram drive among their own student body. The PWAP event itself charges a $15 admission fee as well. All proceeds go directly to Boston Children’s Hospital as a general donation and for extras such as Child Life Specialists and activities.
Iva Jacoby ‘23, Katherine (Kate) Adams ‘23. Elizabeth (Ellie) Bergstrom ‘24, and Anelly Mad-toingué ‘24 represented Dana Hall for PWAP this year. Kate Adams, ‘23 noted that the most rewarding part of helping organize PWAP is “seeing how happy the patients are to be at the event and all of the representatives’ efforts to help make it the best night it can be.” Ellie Bergstrom ‘24 and Anelly Mad-toingué ‘24 echo Kate in that “it goes to a good cause and is all worth it.” Leaders also emphasized that constant communication in planning the event is essential, whether that is updating schools on their progress or communicating with Dana’s Business office about financials for PWAP.
Ms. Macedo described concern about PWAP as the day of the event approached. She expressed that she is happy about the excitement students have about PWAP, but sometimes students can forget the event’s main purpose: a special night for Boston Children’s Hospital patients. Party with a Purpose is a night that has meant so much to Boston Children’s Hospital patients over the years, and she expressed how she was excited that this annual event positively impacts many.
Ms. Macedo and all of the student leaders thank you for coming out to Belmont Hill School on Saturday April 8th, 2023 at Party With A Purpose for the kids!
