RIPTON — When Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas in August, Ripton Elementary School students had not yet returned to school for the 2019-20 school year. Although this natural disaster was not directly felt here, many people wanted to know how they could help those who were affected. With guidance from art teacher Eileen Gombosi, students in grades Pre-K through six set out to make a difference by organizing and participating in a Hurricane Relief Art Show. Students created works of art depicting animals that were affected by Hurricane Dorian as well as images of extreme weather events. 
Family and community members from Ripton, Hancock, and Granville made purchases at the Art Show totaling nearly $600. Students then voted on the organizations they wanted to benefit from this effort. Proceeds were split between The Humane Society of Grand Bahama (humanesocietygb.org) and Water Mission (watermission.org). The Humane Society of Grand Bahama’s purpose is to protect the island’s abandoned and abused animals, as well as to alleviate animal suffering and over-population. Water Mission brings safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions to developing countries in disaster areas. 
Thanks to the “Giving Tuesday” match effort, the $300 donation to Water Mission doubled to become $600! 
Many thanks to Eileen Gombosi, Ripton students, and our Ripton, Hancock, and Granville communities for supporting this amazing effort.