Northmoor Primary School students have proven that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big impact—and that sometimes, hard work ends with a pie in the face!
During this year’s annual Hope-a-thon, a school-wide service project and fundraiser, Northmoor students created an incredible 2,123 “Cards of Hope” for local organizations and leaders, more than doubling their original goal. The heartfelt cards will be presented to representatives from organizations across Peoria—including St. Jude, Sophia’s Kitchen, Foster Village, Illinois Cancer Care, Almost Home Kids, Dream Center Peoria, and even Peoria Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sharon Kherat—during a much-anticipated Hope-a-thon Celebration Assembly.
The highlight? A laughter-filled pie-in-the-face assembly, where select teachers and staff took a whipped cream “splat” for a great cause, capturing the spirit of joy and community that defines Northmoor. This lighthearted tradition has become a beloved symbol of what can happen when students, staff, and families unite for good.
“At Northmoor, kindness and community are at the heart of everything we do,” said Principal Kim Sack. “The Hope-a-thon teaches our students that small acts can have a big impact. It’s one way we show our students that their voices, creativity, and compassion matter.”
A Growing Tradition of Giving
Launched in 2023, the Hope-a-thon has quickly become a cornerstone of the Northmoor experience. In just three years, students and families have raised over $73,000 for school initiatives and delivered nearly 5,000 cards to individuals and organizations across the Peoria area.
What started as a simple idea has grown into a powerful tradition—one that not only uplifts the school but also strengthens community bonds and gives students meaningful experiences in service and empathy.
Supporting Students and the School Community
The Hope-a-thon is more than a kindness campaign; it is Northmoor’s primary Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) fundraiser. This year, families generously contributed $27,324.40, smashing the school’s $17,000 goal and making this the most successful Hope-a-thon yet.
The funds will support ongoing PTO programs and the school’s Student Storage Project, an important initiative to install hallway cubbies and wall hooks in response to growing class sizes. Every donation brings this project closer to reality, ensuring all students have a safe and organized place to store their belongings.
“With this support, our PTO can continue providing classroom resources, family events, teacher appreciation activities, and enrichment opportunities all year long,” shared Heather Hollaway, Hope-a-thon Co-Coordinator.
Co-Coordinator Sonya Burton added, “Hope-a-thon is one of the most meaningful things we do at Northmoor. Watching our students pour kindness into each card reminds us that service is a lesson that lasts far beyond elementary school. We are honored to help them make a real, tangible difference.”
Hope-a-thon: Where Service Meets School Spirit
Hope-a-thon is now a cherished part of #NorthmoorMagic, a living lesson in empathy, leadership, and the power of community spirit. Students create cards, learn about local needs, and gather pledges to directly support their school—all while building memories (and sometimes, getting a little whipped cream on their faces). As Northmoor students handed off their cards to community partners and cheered on their favorite teachers during the pie-in-the-face finale, it was clear: giving back is not only meaningful—it’s fun!
Congratulations to all Northmoor students, families, and staff for making this year’s Hope-a-thon a sweet success!
For more information about the Hope-a-thon or to get involved, contact the Northmoor PTO at northmoorPTOfundraising@gmail.com.