ABOUT US
CHAMP (Creating Hope and Making Progress) was born in 2015 in Huntingdon County when there were seven children with cancer fighting for their lives and a local non-profit called Planet LoveJoy (PLJ) wanted to unite the county to help the children and families. PLJ worked with teachers and students from Juniata Valley, Huntingdon, Southern Huntingdon, Mount Union and Juniata College to come together, unite, and dance to raise money for the kids and families. Now, nine years later CHAMP is Central Pa's largest high school student run philanthropy event with six schools participating; Juniata Valley, Huntingdon, Mount Union, Southern Huntingdon, New Day Charter, and Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center. To date we have raised roughly $500,000 and helped over 90 families. Each year the schools choose captains from their student body to lead their schools in fundraising and dancer participation. The school who earns the most money wins the coveted CHAMP Cup!
YEARS RUNNING
FAMILIES SUPPORTED
DOLLARS RAISED
STUDENT PARTICIPANTS
CHAMP CAPTAIN TESTIMONIALS
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna.
I learned that when there is a fight bigger than your own, ALL differences can be put aside. Being a captain to me met rallying the entire school to raise as much money as possible for those in need in the community. Winning that trophy was a huge bonus also.Peytan Fritz
SHC 2020. Three year Captain.
Being a CHAMP Captain is more than just organizing and event planning. You connect with your community, you connect with other students from other schools, and most of all, you're able to see first hand the people you've helped, because they're local. During my time as a CHAMP Captain, I learned that when enough people come together, anything is possible.Zayden Clark
MUAHS 2022. Three year Captain.
Being a CHAMP captain was an experience I will always value and one I still talk and write about. It was my first true student leadership experience, and it was the first time I learned the true power of a community. As a naive 15 year old, I remember thinking that there was no way a few high school students could raise $20K (our first year’s goal) and we exceeded it. Ever since, I’ve never been afraid to set high goals; especially when the goal is able to change the lives of our community members. CHAMP has truly provided me with a lifelong sense of optimism and empathy.Madison Troha
HAHS 2017. Three year captain.
Getting the amazing opportunity to be a champ captain has made me realize that the small minor inconveniences we may face in our everyday life are minor to what others face.I hope my time as CHAMP captain has inspired a younger generation to want to help others and make CHAMP a continued success. I learned that our small communities can have a large impact.
Ethan Taylor
SHC 2022. Two year Captain
Each year of being a CHAMP captain I was given more responsibility and spent more of my time with the organization. From this role, I have learned so much and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Being able to help those in need in the area I grew up in will forever be something I cherish. The organization brings so many people together for a great cause. Over the years you can see the success CHAMP brings to the community and the amount of money raised for the families only scratches the surface of what CHAMP does for everyone involved!Halee Smith
JVHS 2020. Four year Captain.
To be a captain means to lead others in community service. I have learned that giving back means more than people truly believe. CHAMP has brought so much ease to families' lives and knowing that I play a part in that helps me to sleep at night. Nobody deserves to go through hardships alone. That’s what CHAMP is all about to me.Kendra Wertz
MUAHS 2023. Two year Captain.
It is an awesome opportunity to be a champ Captain. You’re changing many people's lives who may be financially struggling because of a disease. I was one of the first families chosen for CHAMP. It’s awesome that now I can be a CHAMP Captain and give back to the community who did so much for me.Cinny Fagan
HAHS 2023. Three year Captain.
Being a captain for me means advocacy. This is not only for the organization but for your community. Being a captain can inform people within your community what CHAMP is and what we do to benefit others. Something I’ve learned from CHAMP is how to pay it forward. Many years ago in youth group we scraped the surface of what this meant. I now know how to shine light on other peoples' days that could be struggling. Such a small deed could mean the world to that individual. I’m proud to represent myself and my community for this organization.Majerle North
SHC 2023. Three year Captain.
Being a champ captain is such a powerful thing. Getting to raise money and untie the community is one of the best feelings! From being a champ captain, i’ve learned leadership and passion just by putting a smile on our county’s faces!Bridgette Semple
HCCTC 2021. 2 Year CHAMP Captain.
Being a CHAMP captain meant so much to me! It was an honor to help plan and organize such a selfless event! While being a CHAMP captain I learned how to be a stronger leader, and made many life long friendships that I wouldn’t have had otherwise!Morgan Brumbaugh
MUHS 2021. 4 Year CHAMP Captain.
To me being a captain means leading others to do good for the community. And showing love and support through helping families during hard times. During my time being a champ captain I learned that working together you can make a huge impact for families in need.Destiny Devlin
SHC 2017. 2 years Captain.