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Game On for a Good Cause

Game On for a Good Cause – Royal Oak Middle School Students Raise Funds for ROCF with Annual Gatorball Tournament

Local students prove that fun and philanthropy go hand in hand with creative fundraiser

In a display of community spirit, students from Royal Oak Middle School recently raised $1,000 for the Royal Oak Civic Foundation through an exciting gatorball tournament. The annual event put on by the student council and faculty advisors is similar to dodgeball, and brings together students, teachers, and families for a day of friendly competition and charitable giving.

This year, more than 140 students and teachers competed in 16 teams for fundraising and bragging rights. Each year, the student council at Royal Oak Middle School selects a non-profit group to receive a donation and as they were researching various non-profits, they discovered the Royal Oak Civic Foundation website. 

“It was really important to the kids that the funds raised went to a local Royal Oak charity,” said Lindsey Potterack, teacher and student council co-advisor. “When they saw all the positive things the Royal Oak Civic Foundation does for our community, they were excited to contribute.”

The donation will go to the Royal Oak Civic Foundation’s community benefit fund, which gives trustees the flexibility to respond to timely needs throughout the city. This aligns with the foundation’s mission of supporting essential city programs and addressing community needs.

“What these young people have accomplished reminds us that small actions can have a lasting positive impact on our community, said Tom McGannon, chair of the Royal Oak Civic Foundation. “Their enthusiasm and dedication reflect the spirit of giving that makes Royal Oak such a special place to live.”

Royal Oak Middle Schoolers
Royal Oak Middle Schoolers
Royal Oak Middle Schoolers

For more information about the Royal Oak Civic Foundation or to make a donation, visit royaloakcivicfoundation.org.


The Royal Oak Civic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit exclusively devoted to meeting the city’s greatest needs. Donations support civic entities that receive little or no tax-base funding and groundbreaking community projects that improve the quality of life in Royal Oak.