DETROIT (WXYZ) — Students at Cass Technical High School returned to class Monday with an answer to a question they had been waiting months to hear: how much money their student-run telethon raised for people experiencing homelessness in Detroit — and which nonprofits would receive the funds.
Watch Carolyn Clifford's video update:
Earlier this year, after a man experiencing homelessness was found dead outside the school, students decided they wanted to do more than grieve. They organized a telethon, rallied their classmates, and set an ambitious goal of $50,000.
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They came close.
"This final amount means less people on the streets and in beds. This final amount means more people getting new opportunities and a second chance at life," senior Kamrynne Mays said.
Students raised over $40,000. While they fell short of their goal, their principal said she could not be more proud.
"I promised that they would do the work, they would make the selections where the fund would go based on their research, and that's what we're doing," Principal Lisa Phillips said.
Students selected four organizations to receive the funds: Pope Saint Francis Center, a homeless shelter; A Girl Like Me; SEMQ, a literacy program; and Alternatives for Girls, which serves women who have experienced abuse, trafficking, and homelessness.
The last selection was personal for one student.
"Being able to contribute to something that I know would have helped me when I was in that position, it means a lot," Janaya said.
The choice of Alternatives for Girls was made by a student who was once homeless herself.
Michigan State University freshman Chinnenyelohym Elohym, who also participated in the effort, spoke to the broader impact of the donations.
"This money will give a lot of nonprofits the ability to change countless lives," Elohym said.
And the students say this is not where the work ends. They want the telethon — and their commitment to helping their community — to continue.
"Yes. I don't believe the work should ever stop," said junior Alan Carlisle.
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