Gavin Zoelle

For many students, their senior project might be a paper or a science project.

But for Seneca Valley senior Gavin Zoelle, his was collecting more than $11,000 for Highmark Caring Place.

Gavin was inspired to give back to the Caring Place because, he said, it helped him and his family through a tremendously difficult time in their lives — the tragic loss of Zoelle’s younger brother.

“I chose Highmark Caring Place because when I was 10 years old, my little brother (he was 8) died from a brain tumor,” Gavin said. “I went to the Caring Place with my family for support. They made me feel as if I was not the only one going through a significant loss. I felt I could relate to everyone surrounding me there.”

To raise money, Gavin held a charity car show for his senior project called “Cars That Care.” He set a goal to raise $1,000 and far exceeded it from the generosity of several local businesses and donations of raffle baskets.

“I couldn’t believe how quickly I made my goal,” he said. “The donations just kept pouring in.”

The Highmark Caring Place is a safe place where grieving children and families can come together and be with others who understand what they’re going through.

The encouragement from this organization was truly impactful, Gavin added.

“I will be forever grateful for all their support,” he said.