Inspired by Joe Davis, the victim of gun violence, students in Leslie Greenberg’s 8th grade class at Jay Cooke Elementary School squared off against attorneys and insurance professionals to raise money for an organization that works to combat teen violence. Using Need in Deed’s service-learning framework, the students researched gun violence and decided they wanted to support Magee Rehabilitation Hospital’s “ThinkFirst” program, led by Davis, who counsels young spinal cord injury patients.

NID Board member Rick Bortnick, of Cozen O’Connor, identified a sponsor to support the students’ fundraiser. The PLUS Foundation (Professional Liability Underwriting Society) recruited adult players and paid the expenses.  Cozen found the venue: the Cozen PAL (Police Athletic League) in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia.

The students were proud to present their check for $237.50 to Joe Davis at the game.