Rock-a-thon Teens Lauded at the Capitol

HARTFORD — Middle and high school students who raised money for the Saint Francis Hospital Foundation visited the Capitol today to hand deliver more than $3,000 to doctors who provide critical medical care in impoverished nations, state Rep. Christie Carpino said. Roughly 30 students, members of the Saint Mary’s Church Youth Group in Portland, raised about $4,500 through a rock-a-thon—a 24-hour event that had participants secure pledges then “rock” in rocking chairs. The group donated $3,500 to the hospital’s foundation, which was created to help the hospital support outreach and prevention programs and add equipment and technology.

Carpino, who represents Portland, organized the Capitol meeting between the student advocates and the doctors with the help of church volunteer Maria Librio Judge.
“These kids are tremendous,” said Carpino, standing in the House chamber flanked by rocking chair fundraisers. “They truly understand giving back.”

Carpino, in a special ceremony, gave the students a citation from the General Assembly.

“I’m very proud of what they’ve done and I think they’re going to be wonderful role models for their peers,” said Carpino, a member of the legislature’s Education Committee.

Members of the two-year-old church youth group will use the remainder of their fundraising proceeds to further its activities of goodwill.