Standout Spartans: Finley, Tripp, and Behl Oliff

This summer, Grade 5 Teacher Emily Oliff, her husband Greg, and their children (Finley: Grade 4, Tripp: Grade 2, and Behl: Junior Kindergarten) were looking for a way to help the community. 

“As parents, we firmly believe that giving back should be part of our kids' foundation,” says Ms. Oliff. The Oliffs have close friends whose son has a rare blood disorder and who are involved with ASK, a non-profit that provides support for children with cancer. The Oliffs’ desire to help ASK came up in conversation, and shortly thereafter, the family was nominated to serve as an ASK ambassador family. Ambassador families fundraise and help with events. 

The family handled all of the outreach together, often brainstorming around the dinner table about creative fundraising ideas. They organized a raffle, did several restaurant “giveback nights” (where Finley, Tripp, and Behl passed out frisbees and bracelets to share ASK’s mission), and set up a booth at a farmers’ market throughout September, offering lemonade and collecting donations.  

“Our kids were in charge of the ‘sales pitch’ at the farmers’ market and did an amazing job,” says Ms. Oliff. “They told donors about ASK, poured lemonade, and helped with logistics every step of the way. I am so proud of them.”   

In all, the Oliff family raised an astounding $17,400 for ASK, which they presented to the foundation a few weeks ago. Thank you to the entire Oliff family. You are true Standout Spartans!