The George Washington University Athletic Department are champions in the classroom, competition and in the community. They are committed to serving their community as demonstrated by winning back to back Community Service National Championships.
The George Washington University Athletic Department and the Jessie Rees Foundation have partnered up to help more kids fighting cancer Never Ever Give Up. GW University has created a fundraising page to help encourage more kids fighting cancer to NEVER EVER GIVE UP!
Along with the fundraising page, Zach Slaughter of men’s water polo has been named GW’s Community Service Student-Athlete of the Month for February for his service with the Jessie Rees Foundation.
He made a handful of visits to the headquarters over winter break to help stuff JoyJars with toys, games and trinkets to be distributed to Courageous Kids fighting cancer. Those trips also served as brainstorming sessions with an eye on expanding GW’s involvement with the charity and creating a model for other schools to follow. “Being there,” Slaughter said, “it’s always really inspiring.”
Slaughter, along with Sarah Mermelstein of gymnastics and Kaeleen Price of GW’s women’s rowing, made a visit to distribute jars at Inova Children’s Hospital in Falls Church, Va., last month, and he’s planning to take another contingent of student-athletes there after spring break.
GW SAAC has raised more than $11,000 for the Jessie Rees Foundation, including the nearly $1,000 collected over three “Miracle Minutes” at men’s basketball games this season – I think for the first year we’ve been really successful with it,” Slaughter said. “We want to keep pushing.” Slaughter is particularly excited about an event planned for May that will have student-athletes from across the department stuffing Jessie’s JoyJars.
“I really appreciate everyone’s help,” Slaughter said. “All the student-athletes and staff have really been supportive. I think we’re really making a difference in a lot of kids’ lives.”
