As A.C. Reynolds football fans filed into R.L. Dalton Stadium to see the Rockets host Asheville High, they noticed two students standing in the center of the field, who weren’t from either school. Pablo Bermudez and Matthew Balaban left Weddington High School, east of Charlotte, after their last class Friday and traveled to Reynolds to make a special delivery - a check for $6,500 made out to the Buncombe County Schools Foundation (BCSF).
The teens raised the money by starting their own nonprofit organization called the Stride Forward Foundation. They planned and produced the Carolina Comeback 5k, a running event in Charlotte Aug. 30.
“We’re both runners, and thought it would be a good way to help people in need,” said Pablo. “We really wanted to help this community that had been through so much after Hurricane Helene. We thought it was important that students in Buncombe County had everything they needed.”
The Carolina Comeback 5k attracted more than 100 participants, with registrations and sponsorships providing proceeds to donate to the BCSF.
“As our community works to recover, I have seen the best of humanity on display, and Pablo and Matthew are among the best of humanity,” shared BCSF Executive Director Christy Cheek. “These funds will help families who may be having difficulties getting senior materials such as caps and gowns, help cover field trip fees, and other needs for BCS students. We are so appreciative of everything the Stride Forward Foundation has done.”
The significance of the donation and the driving force behind it were not lost on students in attendance.
“It’s very heartwarming to know that kids from so far away would give to a cause that feels so close to home to them,” said Anna Stone, a Reynolds senior. “The fact that these students our age did something to help people their own age is really special.”
Pablo and Matthew are already working on their next running event, and plan to partner with a charity that helps families facing food insecurity.
“We were both raised to help people in need,” Matthew said. “It feels good to be able to do something like this, put a plan in action, and see it make a difference.”