In memory of Ashley Gongaware Kertes, who unexpectedly passed away at the age of 36, her sister Christina Gongaware Noga has established a fund aimed at combating food insecurity in Greensburg Salem's Hutchinson Elementary School. The Ashley Gongaware Kertes Fund has raised an impressive $45,000 since its inception last year, providing essential non-perishable snacks and meals to students in need. This initiative reflects the dedication and empathy that Ashley demonstrated during her tenure as executive director of the Greensburg Community Development Corporation and later with the school district. With over 1,000 bags distributed since March, this program not only honors Ashley’s legacy but also addresses the pressing issue of food insecurity faced by many families within the district.
Revitalizing Lives: A Comprehensive Look at Hutchinson Elementary's Food Program
During a season marked by vibrant hues of change, the Hutchinson Elementary School in Greensburg Salem unveiled an innovative approach to tackling food insecurity among its young learners. Inspired by a similar initiative from Deer Lakes School District, the "Pride Pack Pantry" was born. Established through generous contributions from the Ashley Gongaware Kertes Fund, this bi-weekly effort ensures every student receives nutritious items such as juice containers, cereal, snacks, and meals like macaroni and cheese or ramen noodles. Spearheaded by district spokesperson Kayla Tamer, alongside retired teachers and homeroom staff, the program distributes these provisions directly to children for them to take home. Notably, nearly 70% of Hutchinson Elementary’s students are classified as economically disadvantaged, making this endeavor even more crucial in addressing their needs.
Beyond financial support, Superintendent Ken Bissell collaborated closely with Gongaware Noga and Sean Kertes—Ashley’s husband—to expand this compassionate outreach across all elementary schools in the future. Their vision aligns perfectly with Deer Lakes’ successful model initiated by retired teacher Carol McCaskey, who secured significant funding via grants to sustain her efforts. As plans progress towards hosting another annual fundraising event next August, the community remains deeply appreciative of the family’s unwavering commitment to fostering a brighter future for these children.
From a journalist's perspective, this story exemplifies how personal loss can transform into meaningful action, creating ripples of positive impact throughout a community. It underscores the importance of collaboration between individuals, organizations, and institutions to address critical societal issues like hunger. By honoring Ashley’s life through such impactful initiatives, we witness firsthand the power of compassion and collective effort in shaping tomorrow's leaders today.