CHAMP (Creating Hope & Making Progress) is a student-led charitable movement uniting high school students across Huntingdon County to stand up for children and adults fighting cancer and other life-debilitating diseases. The movement began in 2015 in honor of seven local children whose lives and stories inspired the effort. By 2019, CHAMP had grown into a countywide movement spanning six local high schools. Mount Union is one of those six — described by CHAMP as “a legacy CHAMP community where students have rallied for families for more than a decade.”
CHAMP dedicates its work to seven children whose courage, families, and stories became the foundation of the movement.
| Name | Place in CHAMP’s Story |
|---|---|
| Cinny Fagan | One of the seven original children honored by CHAMP. |
| Destiny Devlin | One of the seven original children honored by CHAMP. |
| Jazzy Inch | One of the seven original children honored by CHAMP. |
| Shelly Bliss | One of the seven original children honored by CHAMP. |
| Wade Stains | One of the seven original children honored by CHAMP. |
| Riley Randoll | One of the seven original children honored by CHAMP. |
| Kristy Bookwalter | One of the seven original children honored by CHAMP. |
CHAMP’s official dedication page preserves the personal stories behind the movement and explains how supporters may honor someone through a fundraiser, dance block, or donation. Visit CHAMP’s dedication page.
CHAMP's signature annual event is a countywide dance marathon; the most recent one raised $259,631.54 in a single event for local families facing medical crises. Funds go directly to affected families for medical bills, travel to treatment, and everyday expenses while a loved one is sick.
Every dollar goes to a Huntingdon County family. Give directly below, or by mail.
| Gift | Impact |
|---|---|
| $25 | Covers gas for one hospital visit |
| $50 | Provides a week of groceries |
| $100 | Pays utility bills during treatment |
| $250 | Sponsors a month of family meals |
| $500 | Covers major medical expenses |
| $1,000 | Become a CHAMP Champion sponsor |
Mount Union students have taken part in CHAMP for more than a decade. To find out how to join the effort locally, sponsor a family, or bring a fundraiser to school, visit champhco.com.