Raising the House Seeks Palmerton Student and Teacher Involvement in Upcoming 5K Run/Walk

Have you ever heard of Raising the House? If not, now you will. Raising the House is a nonprofit organization that raises money to give back to the Palmerton community. This organization was founded in honor of Blaine House, a beloved former teacher at Towamensing Elementary. The organization offers a number of services to the Palmerton community, including a Backpack Food Program to aid students in food scarcity, scholarships to deserving seniors, an Educational Grant Program to assist Palmerton teachers, a Family Assistance Program to help families in need of financial assistance, and more. Raising the House hosts fundraisers throughout the year to raise money to put toward these services, and their largest one of the year is coming up. The 10th Annual Raising the House 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, April 27th, 2024. Tamara House, founder of Raising the House and Mr. House’s wife, is hoping for this year’s race to be their most successful one yet. That will only come with the help of Palmerton students and teachers. Together, we can make Mrs. House’s hopes come true.

Now that you know more about Raising the House, let’s dive deeper into the background of this organization. The Raising the House 5K Run/Walk first began with a group of parents and a want for new playground equipment. The parents of Mr. House’s last class wanted to raise money for new playground equipment for Towamensing Elementary. To raise this money, they hosted a 5K Run/Walk and raised more than enough money from this fundraiser. The students of his last class then coined the organization “Raising the House” to honor Mr. House’s legacy. Since then, Mrs. House has dedicated her life to serving the Palmerton community through the services Raising the House offers.

You may wonder, “How does Raising the House benefit Palmerton students?” That question can be answered in a number of ways. Mrs. J. Baumgardt, Palmerton teacher and National Honor Society advisor, was asked “Why is Raising the House so important to NHS, and what do you think are the benefits of students volunteering with this organization?” To this question, she answered: “I think Raising the House is so important, especially for NHS students. Raising the House donates scholarship money to graduating seniors for their time, effort, and dedication to helping others and their community. The benefit of volunteering is that students are learning to help the community around them. Students, once they go away to college, will be asked the same of them. Colleges, and later when working for companies, are looking for dedicated and motivated people to help those around them.” Not only does this Palmerton teacher think Raising the House is beneficial to students, but Palmerton senior and NHS president, Cora Wentz, does as well. Wentz was asked “What has Raising the House taught you about service?” Her response was: “Through my service with Raising the House, I have realized that even just a few hours of service for your community means the world, as these hours add up. I personally believe very strongly in community service, as I have accumulated over 100 hours of service. Raising the House is a community-based cause that gives many Palmerton School District students opportunities they wouldn't have otherwise. Whether I am running the race or volunteering before the start, on the day of the race, the immense amount of community support is simply brewing in the air. Seeing hundreds and hundreds of individuals from all over the area coming together for a great cause is simply fascinating. From Raising the House, I have learned to continue giving back to our community, as we have a great deal of support from this organization, and I want them to continue their services to the generations that follow me.” Both Palmerton teachers and students recognize the importance of service and the lessons it teaches students. Raising the House offers numerous opportunities for students to volunteer within the Palmerton community, and one is just around the corner.

As previously mentioned, Raising the House is hosting its 10th Annual 5K Run/Walk & Block Party on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, in the Palmerton Park. This will be Raising the House’s largest celebration yet! There will be games, food trucks, and more. PASD students receive 5 dollars off registration when using the code “PalmertonStudentsRTH.” There are flyers with QR codes posted throughout the school, or go to www.raisingthehouse.org to register. Wentz, who is also a Palmerton cross country and track and field runner, was asked “Why should students and community members attend/participate in the 5k race on April 27th?” To this, she answered: “Raising the House’s 5K is a fantastic opportunity for members of our school and community to either volunteer their time or participate in a race that benefits our area. Raising the House is an organization that benefits our very own school and its students, and with our help, they can continue to leave Blaine House’s legacy behind, who was a teacher at Towamensing Elementary when I was in first grade. I have run in the 5K since I was in middle school, and it's so exciting walking or running with your friends, but also contributing to an amazing cause. Let me just say that I want everyone to volunteer or participate in Raising the House’s 5K this year!” You heard her, either sign up to run/walk or volunteer! This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the nice spring weather either by running/walking or earning volunteer hours and benefiting your community.

It is important to learn more about the founders of any organization you choose to involve yourself with, and one Raising the House founder, Mrs. House, is nothing short of impressive. Not only does she make sure Raising the House benefits the Palmerton community, but also and more specifically the Palmerton Area School District. Mrs. House gives countless opportunities to Palmerton students and teachers to be involved within Raising the House’s events, as well as opportunities for financial aid. As previously mentioned, Raising the House offers an Educational Grant Program to assist Palmerton teachers in purchasing items for their classrooms. In addition, the organization also offers scholarships to deserving Palmerton seniors who previously attended Towamensing Elementary that exemplify the mission of Raising the House daily. Mrs. House’s dedication to the community and school district is noticed and appreciated by all. However, Mrs. House isn’t just behind the scenes-- she is always present and involved in each event run by Raising the House. As part of Raising the House’s mission, she works closely with the Palmerton Area High School Leo Club to pack backpacks to aid students facing food scarcity. This occurs after school hours on select dates and truly shows her dedication to the organization and to the betterment of the Palmerton community. Mrs. House has many hopes for Raising the House, and more specifically, for their 10th Anniversary 5k Run/Walk. Mrs. House said “... we’re really trying to get the older kids, well the younger kids as well, but especially the junior high and high school kids to sign up for the race, participate, and of course as many people from Palmerton and the surrounding area that we can get registered for the race. We’d really like a great turn out.” After hearing from a Palmerton teacher, student, and Mrs. House herself, there should be nothing stopping you from signing up for the race!

Overall, Raising the House is a fantastic organization that has dedicated itself to benefitting the Palmerton community for years. Since Raising the House has benefited so many, especially in the Palmerton Area School District, it is only fair that we return the favor. You can do your part NOW by signing up for the race, or by contacting Mrs. Baumgardt for more information on volunteering. Mrs. Baumgardt, Cora Wentz, and most importantly, Mrs. House, all hope for Raising the House’s 10th Anniversary 5k Run/Walk to be a major success, and that starts with student and teacher participation. So simply… give back. Raising the House has done it for a decade, so you can begin doing your part by signing up for the race. Together, we can continue to honor Mr. House’s legacy and further the mission of Raising the House.