By Teresa Martinez - Florida Catholic
Photographer: TERESA MARTINEZ | FC
Berta Cabrera, second from right, in back, poses with Blessed Trinity's third graders before their Turkey Trot 5K run/walk.
MIAMI SPRINGS | Running around: It’s what kids do. But students at Blessed Trinity School ran around last weekend for a cause dear to their hearts: the St. John Bosco Clinic in Miami.
Third graders from Blessed Trinity were among the 100 people who took part Nov. 21 in Miami Springs’ sixth annual Turkey Trot 5K. For three years, the third grade class at the Miami Springs school has adopted the clinic as its service project.
Photographer: TERESA MARTINEZ | FC
Berta Cabrera, executive director of the St. John Bosco Clinic and SSJ Health Foundation, thanks Blessed Trinity third graders for their help before the start of the Turkey Trot.
And the students did not walk the 3.1 miles on their own. Running and walking by their side were their parents and other family members. Students secured pledges and collected money in order to participate. In all, the third graders raised over $600 for the clinic and over $2,000 overall.
“In the past, classes have had garage sales and a booth at the harvest festival but this year they’ve decided to take part in this event and trot,” said Lourdes Dominguez, Blessed Trinity’s third grade teacher. “Not only are they able to raise funds for San Juan Bosco but they are also donating at least two cans per person to help the City of Miami Springs food drive for the less fortunate.”
St. John Bosco Clinic is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine and their SSJ Health Foundation. The clinic provides free health services to people whose income is 200 percent below the poverty level or who don’t have access to health care.
“We chose the clinic because we wanted to help a local charity and give back to an organization that does so much for the community,” said Dominguez.
All money raised by the students at Blessed Trinity goes directly to patient care.
“It’s important for our children to participate in events that are bigger than themselves and give back to important causes,” said Barbara Lavin, a third grade parent. “I hope our children are learning a lesson in life through this experience. They are all very fortunate and they need to be conscious that not everyone has all the blessings that they have so it is important to give back whenever possible.”
“I am so happy with the relationship we have with Blessed Trinity,” said Berta Cabrera, executive director of the SSJ Health Foundation and the St. John Bosco Clinic. “They took an interest in our clinic and it’s been inspiring to see what the children do every year to help.”
She added that their “one small thing … creates a ripple effect” that affects many. “Last year, after I published what the students had done in our newsletter, a gentleman called and said reading about what the students had done inspired him to contribute.”
It costs the St. John Bosco Clinic about $500 to provide health care to one person for an entire year. That is due to the contingent of doctors and nurses who give of their time and talents to serve at the clinic. Volunteers do so much of the work that the clinic only has six paid staff members.
“I think this has been important to do as a class because together we are helping someone that is sick get cared for and that’s really important,” said Blessed Trinity third grader Lucas Dominguez.
“I think it is important to help those in need because we all need help sometimes and it always feels good when someone helps us so we should help others,” said his classmate, Leah McGregor.
“You should help others because we are followers of Christ and that is what he would do,” said another Blessed Trinity third grader, Natalia Perez.
“Participating in the Turkey Trot had many purposes,” said Joel Veiguela, third grade homeroom parent. “They got a good amount of physical exercise and did it while collecting food for the hungry and raising money for the less fortunate. I hope that they learned that getting involved in our community and doing good not only makes you feel good but it is also a lot of fun.”
“This race serves more than a fun outing,” said Maria Veiguela, third grade homeroom mom. “It is a double dipping of goodness!”
Anyone interested in donating to the St. John Bosco Clinic can make a contribution online at www.ssjhealthfoundation.org or call 305-854-0533.
Photographer: TERESA MARTINEZ | FC
The third grade Turkey Trotters from Blessed Trinity School, along with their parents and teachers, pose for a picture before their 5K run/walk.
