Both Limbs for Life and Edmond North’s philanthropy week — BALTO — began their journeys of helping others in the year 1995. The two are now crossing paths 31 years later with one common goal — bringing limbs to those in need.
BALTO week will take place Feb. 9-13, and all the money raised will go toward Limbs for Life.
Limbs for Life
The charitable organization Limbs for Life was founded by John A. Sabolich, who had a goal of helping amputees who couldn’t afford prosthetics. Sabolich’s father opened a prosthetic clinic in Oklahoma City in 1947, and witnessing the life-changing power of prosthetics inspired Sabolich to create Limbs for Life.
Limbs for Life has provided prosthetic limbs for thousands of people across the United States to enhance their quality of life.
BALTO
BALTO was founded by the Edmond North Student Council to create an annual philanthropy week to raise money for charity. The first BALTO raised $5,000 for an ENHS teacher’s cancer treatment.
The acronym BALTO stands for “Bring A Light To Others,” and that motto reflects what the philanthropy platform has done for so many people and causes. Edmond North has raised more than 2 million dollars since BALTO’s inception.
Crossing Paths
BALTO week will include an assembly every day to raise money for Limbs for Life. The assemblies will include an introduction assembly on Monday, Blacklight on Tuesday, Boy Bands on Wednesday and Versus on Thursday. The week will conclude with the closing assembly on Friday, where the organizers will reveal the total amount of money raised.
Students can purchase wristbands for entry to the assemblies in the finance office for $20 during passing periods or at lunch.
Additional festivities include dress-up days, fun activities at lunch and BALTO candidates selling treats throughout the day. Students are encouraged to bring cash to purchase food items and to pie a friend during lunch.
Limbs for Life is bringing a light to many and now Edmond North can help them shine that light even brighter.
