WHS hits fundraising goal for greenhouse

by Whitefish Pilot
| February 10, 2015 9:15 PM

Whitefish High School students in the FREEFLOW and environmental club have met their fundraising goal to build a greenhouse on the school campus.

The students raised more than $70,000, surpassing their original goal of $50,000.

Whitefish philanthropists Richard and Carol Atkinson challenged the club to raise $25,000 with the promise of matching funds if successful.

Richard Atkinson also pledged to walk every day for 151 consecutive days to raise awareness for the campaign. He embarked on a similar “Old Man Walking” mission in 2009 to raise funds for the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

Contributions for the greenhouse came from local businesses and groups, including the Soroptimists and Whitefish PTA. In addition to giving a $5,700 grant, the Whitefish Community Foundation handled all donations and administrative responsibilities for the greenhouse project.

Teachers Nikki Reed and Eric Sawtelle supported the students in the campaign project.

The greenhouse is intended to be used for science classes at the high school and could also be used to grow food for the school lunch program.