United Way Funds Top Four Student Teams at “PITCH-ER THIS!”
On February 24, 2024, United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties hosted the 9th Annual PITCH-ER THIS! Youth Venture Competition. This event invites 6-12th grade students from across Gratiot & Isabella counties to pitch their community improvement idea to a panel of “celebrity” judges and an audience. United Way funds the top pitches, as determined by judge scores and audience votes. This year, we had nine teams from six schools pitch their bright ideas!
PITCH-ER THIS! challenges our youth to find creative solutions to problems in our communities. For the event, each student group is asked to present an idea in alignment with one of United Way’s impact areas: Healthy Lifestyles, Quality Education, or Financial Stability. In addition to preparing a 5-10 minute presentation that outlines their idea, including need, cost, and timeline, students are asked to prepare a table presentation where they will engage in conversation with judges and community members about their idea. During table presentations, teams got creative with their displays, some even sharing baked goods that fit their team’s theme.
United Way allocates funding from community invested dollars to provide up to $5,000 for the top three teams who pitch each year, to support their idea coming to fruition. This year, United Way was able to fund the top four teams for a grand total of $13,070.98. Read about them below!
🏆 First Place
Team “Mural Magic” was awarded first place, with team members Claire Campbell (6th grade) and Olivia Harding (7th grade) taking the traveling trophy back to Sacred Heart Academy! Olivia and Claire excellently pitched how public art can improve mental and physical health, promote community, and is freely accessible to all. They were awarded $2,800 to fund their idea of a postcard style mural in downtown Mt. Pleasant.
🏆 Second Place
Kenzie Robinson (6th grade), backed by a team of students from St. Mary School in Alma, pitched to improve the Gratiot County Community Garden by replacing existing fencing with a more durable option. Team “Seeds for Christ” was awarded $3,770.98 for this bright idea!
🏆 Third Place
Lillian Dubridge (7th grade) of Sacred Heart Academy set out to help her peers “cross like a boss” by making school crossings in her community safer. Pitching as “The Lollipop Lady!” Lillian was awarded $2,000 in funding to provide the five school districts in Isabella with additional road-crossing safety gear, including reflective vests and light-up stop signs.
🏆 Fourth Place
Team “St. Louis Rotary Interact” was awarded $4,500 to transform an unused room into a “zen den” focused on supporting mental health in St. Louis High School. Team members Elizabeth Starry (11th grade), Bethany Bowerman (11th grade), Kaya Munoz (11th grade), and Rebekah Ross (11th grade) highlighted the importance of addressing mental health needs for youth, and especially for the at-risk youth in their district.
United Way is proud of every student who courageously presented their bright idea during PITCH-ER THIS! We extend a special thank you to our event volunteers, judges, team mentors, and community supporters. We would also like to thank the Central Michigan University College of Medicine (CMED) group for their hospitality and collaboration on this event.
