Madison Reporter

Pardeeville's Bulldog Stomp Cancer Run-Walk has become a cherished event, supported by local residents and high school students who take on its organization. The annual spring event benefits research at the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center, having raised over $373,000 to date. This achievement is largely due to the dedication of more than 30 Pardeeville High School students involved each year.

"Whenever we see how many people come, it shows our hard work really paid off," said Kayla Buzzell, a senior at Pardeeville High School and member of the Bulldog Stomp leadership team.

This year's event is scheduled for May 3 at Pardeeville High School, with registration and further details accessible on their event page.

Originating as a community service project by five students in 2008, the initiative has grown significantly over the years. Chris Lynch, the middle and high school art teacher, and now co-advisor for Bulldog Stomp, recalls that the fundraiser initially supported a community member with breast cancer before focusing on Carbone Cancer Center's research in 2012.

"It’s really grown over the years," Lynch commented.

For students, organizing the event is also an opportunity to develop practical skills. Preparations for Bulldog Stomp commence at the start of the school year with an elected leadership team handling coordination. In addition to run/walk events, students conduct a silent auction and basket raffles featuring items donated by local businesses. Olivia Bue, a senior and leadership team member, explained, involving students in approaching businesses helps clarify their mission and gather more support.

"When we say we’re a student-led committee, it just piques everyone’s interest," Bue noted. "I think that people love to hear that students are doing the work."

Local business sponsorships strengthen every year's Bulldog Stomp, enhancing donations to Carbone's research. The students witness their contributions in action through tours of a cancer research lab.

"When we went (on a lab tour), we looked at this machine and the person that was showing us around was like, ‘You guys bought us this machine,’" said Catie Kopfhamer, a junior on the leadership team. "I thought it was one of the coolest things. We worked for that."