OREM, Utah (ABC 4 News) – A few weeks ago Orem Elementary school took part in a nationwide contest to try to win $50,000 for a new computer lab at the school. Unfortunately, the school didn’t win. But, fast forward to last week and that defeat became a $100,000 victory.
Julie Hale is a very passionate mother.
“We got so close, but it probably wasn't going to happen,” said Hale. She and fellow Orem Elementary parents barely missed a $50,000 Clorox contest. Money they needed for upgraded computer labs. But, that didn’t get Julie or the other parents down.
“Amazing parents and what they can do!” said Orem Elementary Principal Rachelle Bolingbroke.
One parent saw that the Ellen Show and Target were teaming up to award ten schools across the country $100,000 each.
“If it’s at tests, we need extra computers. Sometimes we have to wait for the other class, so we need two computer labs,” said student Jenna Hale.
Someone just had to write a winning essay of 2,500 words or less that deemed their school the most deserving of the award. And Julie Hale did it!
Monday morning Target presented Orem Elementary with a $100,000 check.
“Our school is not a title one school so it takes the community to reach out and find money for us,” said Bolingbroke.
Now Orem Elementary will have more than enough money to upgrade old and buy new computers so students will have easy access to the latest technology.
“A big thank you to everyone involved. And let everyone know our gratitude for their help,” said Julie.
