Enloe High students set goal of raising $200,000 for Raleigh nonprofit

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — They’re only in their teens, but students at Enloe High School in Raleigh have worked to raise $1 million over the years. Its money to help nonprofits in the Triangle.

“We’re kids, doing not kid things,” Sydney Marks said proudly.

This year is no different. They’re working to raise more money. “The goal this year is $200,000. It’s a big number, but we can do it,” she said.

Enloe High School students are raising money through their annual charity ball. It’s a high school dance. Think of it as a party with a purpose

Money raised through ticket sales and donations from the dance will go to Southeast Raleigh Promise, a nonprofit just a few miles down the road. The organization is working to end intergenerational poverty and address affordable housing in the southeast section of the city.

Each year the students pick an organization to support following a rigorous application process. There were 47 applicants this year.

“We really wanted to choose a nonprofit impacting our community, impacting actual students at our school and impacting the future leaders of our school,” explained Marks.

Southeast Raleigh Promise beat out the 46 other applicants.

“This has been the most exciting opportunity of our lifetime as an organization,” said Kia Baker with a smile.

She is leading the way with Southeast Raleigh Promise. Baker said this funding will help them reach more families and students in southeast Raleigh.

“Every cent of money that can get in that bucket can help us to look at strategic ways to provide more affordable housing.”

Baker said this funding is different from any other grant they’ve applied for and will help them expand their reach in Southeast Raleigh. Read more here.