Raiders Rally scheduled for Friday

THS students have raised thousands for charity

TORRINGTON » The third biannual Raiders Rally is scheduled for this Friday at Torrington High School as students continue to raise funds for city charities.

The event, according to Erin Sullivan, an English teacher at Torrington High School, benefits the Susan B. Anthony Project, Friends in Service to Humanity (FISH), and the Friendly Hands Food Bank.

Sullivan said Wednesday that the inaugural event was held in 2013, after students in one of her classes wanted to come up with a way to increase school spirit and allow the Torrington High School community to give back to the city.

Over $10,600 has been raised thus far this year, according to Sullivan, with donations accepted through the rally on Friday.

Students have sought donations from community members and local businesses, she said, as the fundraising effort has gone on.

“Time and time again with this event, we show how inspiring the students at Torrington High School are,” said Sullivan.

More than 400 students are expected to take part in the event Friday.

This year, Pursue the Clues — a Torrington-based business that offers visitors the chance to band together to solve a mystery or puzzle — is setting up booths at the rally, Sullivan said, and donating a portion of their proceeds to the charitable effort.

Food vendors in attendance will also be making a donation towards the fundraiser, Sullivan said.

As part of the fundraiser, according to the rally website, “(s)ponsors agree to donate and the student pledges to participate in one of multiple ‘marathon’style events,” which include a dance-a-thon, walk-athon, read-a-athon, trivia, games, and weight-lifting.

The contributions from local businesses, Sullivan said Wednesday, demonstrate the tight-knit nature of the city.

“Torrington’s a very small community, really,” said Sullivan.

The 2013 rally raised approximately $13,500, according to past reporting.

In 2015, more than $16,000 was brought in to benefit the local charities.

Those interested in making donations can do so, according to the press release from Sullivan, through a link on the rally website.

REGISTER CITIZEN FILE PHOTO Students at Torrington High School helped their community through a Raiders Rally, which raised more than $16,000 for local charities in 2015. This year’s rally is set for Friday.