A record-setting 236 Prep students smashed their fundraising goal last month and raised $60,000+ (surpassing a projected $35,000) as part of an overnight student “Sleep Out” in Prep’s courtyard benefitting Covenant House New Jersey.
The nonprofit organization “empowers young people to overcome homelessness and trafficking by providing them with safe housing, food and clothing, and relentless support.”
Sleep Out is a “global movement to end youth homelessness,” a movement in which Prep has been participating for several years with support from the Office of Campus Ministry.
The annual event raises key funds to help Covenant House provide 24/7 shelter, sanctuary, and support to youth overcoming homelessness.
With this year’s success, Saint Peter’s Prep now belongs to Covenant House’s $50K Club and will be recognized on a plaque on display at their Newark Crisis Center.
According to this year’s fundraising website, the “Sleep Out is not about pretending to be homeless. It’s an act of solidarity with the 4.2 million young people who experience homelessness each year. It’s a decision that we can’t stay indoors while so many kids remain outside.”
The experience includes opportunities to learn from experts, to hear inspiring stories, and to advocate for a future where everyone has a safe place to sleep.
Prep’s Covenant House Junior Board Representative Aidan Maione ’24, who has been involved in this year’s student Sleep Out since October 2022, was the team’s top earner, raising a total of $10,820.
“The Sleep Out is an incredible event to be involved in,” he said, reflecting on the many takeaways he and his fellow participants gleaned from this year’s project. “From the cold and rigid courtyard to a band of rain causing all to flee to the gym, we learned the unpredictability of homelessness and became quite grateful to have a roof over our heads consistently.
Aidan was asked to serve on the Covenant House’s first Junior Board at the end of his sophomore year.
“I’ve proudly participated in the event for three years now, even during COVID-19, but this was my first year truly leading it. I’m happy to have worked with our amazing Campus Ministry team to create such a meaningful night,” he said.
Throughout the year, the Office of Campus Ministry assists with many opportunities like the Sleep Out for students to serve their communities and beyond, including a longstanding tradition of summer service immersion trips. Alumni interested in getting involved and becoming a chaperone for those trips can learn more here.