Way to Go: Amy Gill, Half Hollow Hills
A Half Hollow Hills teen Amy Gill recently raised awareness for people suffering from paralysis through a bowling fundraiser to benefit a disabled friend. Credit: Handout
A Half Hollow Hills teen recently raised awareness for people suffering from paralysis through a bowling fundraiser to benefit a disabled friend.
Amy Gill, a junior at Half Hollow Hills High School East in Dix Hills, raised more than $4,800 last month for Dale Ahn, an alum and family friend who became paralyzed below the shoulders because of a swimming pool accident in 2011.
The event drew 90 bowlers for two hours of unlimited bowling at 300 Long Island in Melville. Funds were raised via a $30 entry fee and raffles that included restaurant gift cards and Mets and Yankees tickets.
"I wanted to do something that hit close to home," said Gill, 16. "I feel like many people are not aware of what it is like to be paralyzed -- and Dale put a face to paralysis for them."
To spread the word, Gill distributed fliers at the district's 11 schools and made announcements promoting the event on her school's loudspeaker. The money is expected to help Ahn's family purchase a wheelchair-accessible van and also benefit the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Gill said.
At Half Hollow Hills East, Gill is a member of the National Honor Society, Art Honor Society and student government and is on the field hockey team.
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