8th Annual Raider Rally Raises More Than $20,000 for Local Charities

More than 800 students came together on Friday, May 29, to celebrate service, school spirit, and community during the eighth annual Raider Rally at Torrington High School. Blessed with sunny skies and perfect spring weather, students and staff raised an impressive $20,450 for local charities while participating in a full day of fundraising, games, and hands-on community service.

Built around this year’s theme, “Cre8ting Community,” Raider Rally continues a tradition that began in 2013 and has now raised well over $115,000 for organizations serving the Torrington area.

The day kicked off with the annual Walk-a-Thon, joined by community leaders including Connecticut State Representative Joe Canino and Torrington Board of Education Chair Ed Corey. Corey not only attended the event, but also donated $300 to the cause and showed his Raider spirit by volunteering for one of the day’s most popular attractions — the dunk tank. While the water was a little chilly early in the morning, the bright sunshine and warm temperatures quickly turned it into a crowd favorite.

Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of activities designed to build teamwork and strengthen school community. The senior class captured first place in both Capture the Flag and the annual Battle of the Classes competition, with the freshmen and juniors finishing second and third, respectively, in Capture the Flag.

Students loved spending time with each other, relaxing or enjoying a game, or just cuddling a baby goat – a definite student favorite. Freshmen Anthony Ferro commented, “I literally had so much fun with all my friends! I can’t wait to do it again.”

The rock-climbing wall, provided by Cliffhangers, also drew long lines throughout the day. According to Cliffhangers owner David Amo, “This is my favorite school to work at because your students are so polite.”

Raider Rally’s impact extended far beyond the school grounds. In the weeks leading up to the event, students organized and participated in a variety of community service projects, including the Friendly Hands Food Bank Ramen Challenge, a Sandwich Brigade for the Community Kitchen of Torrington, food drives benefiting FISH of Northwestern Connecticut, and participation in the Susan B. Anthony Project’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.

Volunteers from Friendly Hands Food Bank who attended Raider Rally were especially impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and compassion. They commented on the kindness of the THS students and the genuine interest they showed in learning about the organization’s mission and the needs of local families.

This year’s Raider Rally benefited four local nonprofit organizations: FISH of Northwestern Connecticut, Friendly Hands Food Bank, the Susan B. Anthony Project, and the Community Kitchen of Torrington. As in previous years, 100 percent of all funds raised will be divided equally among the four charities.

What began in 2013 as a student-driven effort to increase school spirit while giving back to the community has grown into one of Torrington High School’s defining traditions. Planned and organized largely by students, Raider Rally embodies the school’s commitment to leadership, empathy, collaboration, and civic engagement.

“Raider Rally is about so much more than one day,” said event organizer Erin Sullivan. “It’s about teaching students that they have the power to make a difference in their community. Watching more than 800 students come together to support causes bigger than themselves is a reminder of what makes Torrington High School such a special place.”