Helping the Students & Families of Grant Community High School

Thirteen years ago, when we started giving away a few hot dogs and homemade treats for our neighborhood Trick-or-Treating, we never imagined it would become what it is today. What was once just a few packs of hot dogs on a grill is now a yearly event that the entire neighborhood participates in along with us! Ten years ago, we decided to use this opportunity as a Day of Giving.

With the help of our amazing community, our little tradition has turned into a day that not only brings people together for food and fun, but it’s served as a chance to make a difference. Over the years we have been able to:

- Raise almost $500 for a middle school band in memory of a student

- Collect some 200 blankets for the unhoused

- Collect 1,500 pairs of socks and 300 coats for shelters in the area

- Raised $2,300 to adopt a family of 7 for Christmas through Fremont Township

- Collect enough toiletries to make 150 personal bags for the underprivileged and unhoused in Lake County

- Collect gifts for Toys for Tots

- Collect about 400 pounds of food for local food pantries

We cannot tell you how grateful we are for all this community has done to help others. Now, we have a new challenge! It's time to help the Students and Families of Grant Community High School.

In these times, it can be difficult just to make ends meet, but our students should never have to worry about food, clothing or even getting vaccinations. No child should have to sit in class with an empty stomach or carry the weight of financial difficulties on their shoulders. Lunch may also be the only meal that a student has all day, or their hoodie be the only winter protection they have. We believe every student deserves to feel cared for—at home and at school.

We are asking you to reach into your pockets and help us raise money to help our Bulldogs!

100% of the money raised will go directly to enrich our students and families through The Grant Community High School Foundation 501(c) (3). Founded in 1985, The GCHS Foundation aids with school-related expenses for students whose families are in financial need. It can provide meals and snacks, clothing and even pay for required vaccinations that may prohibit that student from attending school. It provides scholarship opportunities, provides funds for instructional classroom technology and innovative classroom projects, and other charitable and educational purposes for the sole benefit of Grant Community High School’s students who need help along the way.

We need to let our students simply be kids: focusing on learning, friendships, and their future—regardless of their circumstances.

And while this fundraiser is about compassion first, it’s also about smart community investment. Well-fed students focus better, behave well, and achieve more, strengthening the entire school environment. Having the opportunity to participate in school activities builds self-esteem, builds self-worth, and teaches coping skills that last a lifetime. We want all students to have these same opportunities.

Supporting this cause isn’t just about kindness—it’s about building a healthier, stronger community for all of us. Every dollar makes a difference. Together, we can turn struggles into fresh starts and hope for these students and families.

Thank you for joining us in this effort and remind our students that they are not alone!

We have your back Bulldogs!

With love,

Eric & Juli Weirich

“The Hot Dog House”