Oxbridge Academy students were recently recognized for their ongoing efforts to make the world around them a better place. A dedicated group from the independent secondary school received the “Outstanding Student Volunteer Service Award” from Quantum House during the non-profit facility’s annual awards ceremony on Oct. 18.
“Quantum House is a caring and supportive home that lessens the burden for families whose children are receiving treatment for a serious medical condition in Palm Beach County, and we’d never be able to accomplish that job without the support from volunteers like the group from Oxbridge Academy,” said Megan Lewis, outreach coordinator for the Quantum House.
Numerous Oxbridge students have supported Quantum House throughout the year by volunteering at fundraising events and helping with household chores. Once a month, a group of students participate in the “Chef for a Day” program and cook dinner for the families and children staying there. Oxbridge senior Miriam Khan goes a step further and bakes custom cakes for the families’ birthday celebrations. Students also regularly help with laundry, lawn work, and entertaining the kids with board games and art projects.
Most recently, students hosted face painting and games booths on Oct. 25 at the Halloween Car Show in Greenacres hosted by the Corvette Club of the Palm Beaches to raise money and awareness for Quantum House. In an earlier event, the school teamed up with the PDQ restaurant chain for a fundraiser that gave 10 percent of the proceeds from all sales that day to Quantum House.
The only facility of its kind between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Quantum House provides temporary lodging and emotional support for families so they can stay nearby and focus their time and energy on their hospitalized child. The house reduces the added stress and financial hardship that occurs when a child is hospitalized by making sure that each family’s basic living needs are fulfilled, including hot meals, warm beds, laundry facilities, transportation, emergency financial assistance, children’s activities, and more. The community-funded organization is located on the campus of St. Mary’s Medical Center in close proximity to the Children’s Hospital. Since it opened its doors in May 2001, the 10-suite facility has served more than 1,300 family members each year.
Oxbridge Academy is located at 3151 N. Military Trail in WPB. An open house will be held on Dec. 3. For more info., visit www.oapb.org or call (561) 972-9600.
