Starlin Getts, art teacher at Woodland Regional High School, is hosting car washes to raise money benefiting the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America. The Foundation’s mission is to find a cure for Crohns and Colitis along with giving care to those with these diseases. Crohns and Colitis are both incurable and unpleasant digestive disorders.
Getts was diagnosed with Crohns Disease in September of 2013. Since her diagnosis, she has decided to participate in the foundation’s Team Challenge with her mom and dad, Elmer and Sandy, as well as her brother Justin Getts. A friend of hers who also has Crohns convinced Getts to participate.
“Not only does it help me connect with people throughout Connecticut with these diseases,” said Getts. “But all of the money we raise goes directly to the CCFA.”
Their goal is to raise $10,000. In July, the team will also run a half marathon in Rhode Island. Her team has held several free car washes already and plans to have two more.
So far, she and her team have raised approximately $5,600 in donations. Just this past Saturday, April 19, she raised $750 at a car wash held at the Beacon Falls Pharmacy.
Students at Woodland have been generous in giving their time to volunteer at these car washes. Several students have worked with Getts including Freshmen Taylor Relva, Tatianna Lynn, Jaclynn Guidi, and Bethanie Banks.
Getts and her team have also been working to advertise by sending letters and putting up posters at Woodland. She and her family will host a party at their house in June as well to thank their contributors and celebrate reaching their goals.They expect around two hundred to be in attendance.
“It is my hope that the money raised will help CCFA find a cure to benefit the increasing amounts of young children diagnosed every day,” said Getts.
The Getts family will host another car wash this Sunday, April 27 from ten to one at McDonald’s in Naugatuck. Students interested in volunteering should see Getts in Room 101.
Go to www.valleybenefitbash.com for more information about the event and cause.
