|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
One Amador Valley High School student will be receiving the title of Mr. Amador next week as part of an annual fundraiser for a pediatric care facility that takes care of children who suffer from serious or life-limiting conditions.
Over the last 20 years, Amador Valley students have been able to participate in what is known as the Mr. Amador Program. According to a March 12 press release from the Pleasanton Unified School District, the student-run program allows high school students to dedicate their time to raise funds for the George Mark Children’s House — the nation’s first freestanding pediatric palliative care home, which is located in San Leandro.
“Each year, healthy high school boys dedicate their time to raising funds for GMCH, a unique sanctuary filled with love, joy, and hope for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families,” the press release states.
The Center to Advance Palliative Care website describes palliative care as “specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness … This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.”
GMCH does exactly this by providing children with music, art projects and even occasional ponies that bring smiles to the children at the care facility.
“A visit to George Mark Children’s House reveals a world of comfort and care that challenges the limitations so often imposed by serious medical diagnoses,” PUSD officials wrote in their press release.
The district also said that the annual Mr. Amador fundraiser goes beyond a competition to raise money.
“Mr. Amador is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a life-changing experience for our students, teaching them compassion and the importance of giving back,” Jennifer Zuanich, Mr. Amador adviser and teacher at the high school, said in the press release. “This event empowers students to connect deeply with their community, illustrating firsthand how their efforts create ripples of positive change.”
According to the Mr. Amador Instagram, the program has been busy finding different ways to raise money over the past year.
From working with local businesses like the Meadowlark Dairy and SideTrack Bar + Grill to hosting an improv show at the Amador Theater, this year’s group of students have been able to raise over $22,000 in donations this past year, according to the 2025 fundraising page.
“The dedication of Amador Valley High School students is truly inspiring and makes a tangible difference in the lives of the children and families we serve,” Shekinah Eliassen, CEO of the George Mark Children’s House, said in the PUSD press release.
Now that this year’s fundraising efforts are over, the program will be hosting its highly anticipated variety show this month where the student who raised the most money will be crowned Mr. Amador.
The community is invited to one of two shows set for next Thursday (April 17) — with the first one set to begin at 5 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. — which will take place at the Amador Theater.
According to the program’s Instagram page, the show will feature performances, skits, special guests and an auction. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Pleasanton council shows early support for annexation, downtown plan, other priority projectsMarch 25, 2026 2:36 pm
Nighttime lane closures on I-580 near Pleasanton, I-680 through San Ramon ValleyMarch 25, 2026 2:05 pm