Carnival for a Cure Brings Student-Led Impact to Life
Fundraiser Success Stories
What began as one student’s personal mission has grown into Penncrest High School’s largest student-run organization, uniting more than 250 students in support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Through the 2nd Annual Carnival for a Cure, Parker Caruso and the 4 the Vision club raised more than $13,000 while inspiring their community to help advance treatments and cures for blinding diseases.
Attendees wearing matching light blue t-shirts pose together on a gymnasium basketball court at the 2nd Annual Carnival for a Cure.
What started as one student’s determination to make a difference has quickly grown into a powerful, student-led movement at Penncrest High School. At the 2nd Annual Carnival for a Cure, that momentum was on full display, bringing the community together for a vibrant, family-friendly fundraiser in support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Led by junior Parker Caruso and the student-run club 4 the Vision, the event transformed the school gym into a high-energy celebration complete with games, live music, food vendors, and activities designed to engage all ages. In just two years, the club has grown from 20 founding members to more than 250 students, making it the largest student-run organization at Penncrest.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated student leadership team, also including Avery Hewlings, Rowan Barusevicius, Camryn Morris, and Marissa Grady, worked alongside club sponsor Mr. Sweeney to bring the event to life. But as Mr. Sweeney shared, the success is truly student-driven: the vision, planning, and execution “has sincerely been built by the students,” a testament to their leadership and commitment.
4 the Vision club officers with Parker Caruso in the middle.
For Parker, the mission is deeply personal. She, her sister, and her father are all affected by congenital cataracts, a journey that has shaped her perspective and fueled her drive to create change.
"Every carnival game, every raffle ticket, every dollar we raise, it’s for kids who don’t have treatments or cures yet,” she shared. “Those are the kids I work for.”
That purpose translated into real impact. This year’s event raised more than $13,000 to support the Foundation, building on the success of its inaugural year and proving what’s possible when passion meets action.
Through the Vision Warrior program, Parker and her team are doing more than hosting an event—they’re expanding awareness, engaging their community, and helping drive progress toward treatments and cures.
