On Oct. 28, Care to Learn had its fifth annual gala which is a fundraiser event to make money for students that need hunger, hygiene, and health related help. The organization was created by Doug Pitt, Brad Pitt’s brother. 

Monroe Elementary School special education teacher Kelly Schneider attended the gala that night.

“The gala was a lot of fun.” Schneider said. “It was very heartwarming to see all the other schools that are helping out their kids in those areas supporting the cause and also seeing the community supporting our kids to help them get what they need.”

The students are kept anonymous so that their lives are kept private. School Social Worker Dawn Tranen works with Care to Learn as a member of the Care To Learn Advisory Board so she knows what goes on behind closed doors.

“Care to Learn is an organization that partners with our school district to meet the emergent needs of our students in the areas of health, hunger, and hygiene,” Tranen said. “Partnering with this organization is an amazing opportunity because we can provide services to students, such as free food, clothing, shoes, dental care, and doctor appointments, among other things.” 

Students or their parents who need this kind of help go to a guidance counselor or a social worker. Sarah Scaturo, counselor at St. Charles High School said, “Students have to be identified as having a need in the area of health, hunger, or hygiene. Typically after we hear that someone is in need of something, we meet with them and make a referral to Care to Learn. They help us make sure that the students’ needs are met.”

This organization helps kids from all around Missouri and its districts. Care to Learn has other events like the gala to raise money for these families in need.