Willow Valley Communities Hosts Cornhole for a Cause, Raises Over $8,000 for Local Graduating Seniors 

May 9, 2019

LANCASTER, PA–Willow Valley Communities raised over $8,000 in its Cornhole for a Cause event last Saturday to benefit School District of Lancaster high school students. The money raised will help graduating seniors pay application fees and expenses associated with post-secondary education or for items needed to start a new job.

This is Willow Valley Communities’ third Cornhole for a Cause. To date they have raised over $22,000 and have helped approximately 75 students.

“This event really helps break the cycle of poverty for high school students and their families in Lancaster. I’m thrilled that we went over of our goal of raising over $8,000,” said Cori Steiner, manager of resident services at Willow Valley Communities and coordinator of the tournament.

School District of Lancaster staff members organized their own team for the tournament, headed up by Dr. Damaris Rau, Superintendent of the District. Willow Valley Communities’ residents, team members, families, and vendors made up the rest of the 18 teams participating in the tournament.

Dr. Rau explains that while a graduating senior may be accepted to a college or trade school, application fees, down payments, or other costs associated with the transition may be prohibitive enough to prevent the student from attending.

“For some, a $200 fee might as well be $20,000,” she said. School guidance counselors help the students with the process of determining what they need after graduation.

Saturday’s tournament adds to the other initiatives that Willow Valley Communities puts forth to help children within the School District of Lancaster. Willow Valley Communities residents tutor students in academics and music through a robust education program, while a pen pal program between students and residents help students practice writing. Willow Valley Communities’ Sneakers for School Program has provided thousands of pairs of sneakers and socks for children in the School District of Lancaster, who wear them proudly on their first day of school. Cornhole for a Cause is the first initiative specifically designed to benefit high school seniors.

“Willow Valley Communities is delighted to help high school seniors in the School District of Lancaster. Supporting the students of our city helps to support the future of our city,” said CEO John G. Swanson, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to a thriving Lancaster community since Willow Valley Communities is just three miles from downtown.