Press Release #15/2019-20
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 7, 2019
Contact: David Mustonen, Communications Director
(313) 827-3006 MustonD@dearbornschools.org
Battle Against Hunger returns to Dearborn Schools
Food, money collection will run from Nov. 18 to 24 to help local organizations
Dearborn Public School students and families are again stepping up to Battle Against Hunger.
The fifth annual “Battle Against Hunger” will run from Nov. 18 to 24 this year. In the last four years, Dearborn Public Schools has donated more than 200,000 non-perishable food items to feed thousands of families in need in our area. Last year alone, the schools donated almost 12 tons of food to help those in our community.
Donations this year will be collected at all three traditional high schools – Dearborn, Edsel Ford and Fordson – and participating elementary and middle schools.
The Battle began in 2015 as a friendly off-field competition between rivals Dearborn and Fordson high schools. Edsel Ford High School later joined the food drive, and it was opened for the District’s elementary and middle schools to participate.
Local Realtor and former Dearborn School Life editor Raad Alawan came up with the idea.
“There’s a ton of school spirit when it comes to the Dearborn-Fordson rivalry, and both those student bodies are compassionate about giving as well,” Mr. Alawan said. “So, I was driving around one day, and just put the two together. Today it’s blossomed into a district-wide effort. Everyone wins.”
Initially, the event was a competition between schools to see who could collect the most non-perishable food and money. Now, the event is a cooperative effort to help families in need through two local non-profits – Zaman International and Amity Foundation.
This year’s event will kick off with a fundraiser at the Dearborn Ice Skating Center, 14900 Ford Road on Nov. 17. Tickets are $10 each and include skate rentals. The community, including younger students, is invited to skate from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., and high school students can skate from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. For tickets, contact the high schools, including Ms. Altomonte at Fordson at altomoa@dearbornschools.org, Ms. Rumler at Dearborn High at rumlers@dearbornschools.org, and Ms. Gass at Edsel Ford at gassm1@dearbornschools.org.
“It is wonderful to see how our high school students and the now younger students come together as one District to help others in our community,” said Superintendent Glenn Maleyko. “The generosity of our students and families will have a positive impact for those in need in our area.”
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