1st-year dancer donates her tips from Mr. Bill’s

By Gordon Woodworth, Chronicle News Editor

Kassi Cook has Marathon Dance fever.

The South High freshman is dancing in her first Marathon Dance this weekend, and she’s all in.

“I started working at Mr. Bill’s last March, and I started to collect tips,” she said. “And I didn’t know what to do with them. I don’t need stuff. So I figured, why not Marathon?”

She collected about $800, first in a Mason jar, then in a bigger jar. It’s all going to the Marathon Dance.

Kassi’s older sister Alyssa was a recipient in 2012 after receiving a kidney transplant.

“I didn’t understand what Marathon was when Alyssa was a recipient,” Kassie said. “But with her and then [2013 recipient and South High alum] Ally Tarantino, it kind of clicked.

“My mom and I started baking pies and pumpkin rolls and posting on Facebook, with proceeds going to Marathon.

“We also did some gift baskets with ARCA Ink mugs, and lollipops and bracelets, and I collected cans and bottles all year, and went door-to-door.”

Kassi’s mom Karrie said “Alyssa danced for four years and then was a recipient. That’s when we got it. That’s when we started to grasp the power that this event has.”

Mrs. Cook said Tim’s Liquor Store also allowed Kassi to put a donation bucket on their counter, a big success. “We’ve emptied it three times, I think,” she said.

Students collect bottles & cans

Kassi isn’t alone in her creative fund-raising. Student chairperson Nick Barden said, “I collect bottles personally too and I’ll sometimes set money I get for my birthday or holidays aside to put towards SHMD. I’m probably guessing other kids do that, too. I’ve heard of some people baking things, as well, and selling them for marathon.”

Student chairperson Mackenzie Myott said, “Some kids purchase custom SHMD bracelets or hats and they sell them to people at school.”

Skyler Munson, another student chairperson, said, “Lots of kids collect bottles including myself. I know I ask everyone I know to save bottles for me from the time the dance ends to next year’s dance!!”

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