The Common Ground Teen Center, located at 92 N. Main Street in downtown Washington, is rallying the community for a 24‑hour see‑saw marathon to meet a $45,000 fundraising goal. The event, organized by Teen Outreach Director Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski, COO Amy Podgurski Gough, and a group of peer‑educator teens, will run from 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, through 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
Why the marathon matters
In September 2020 the Center lost more than half of its funding, threatening the safe space it provides for local youth. Since then, the Teen Outreach program has kept the doors open through volunteer effort and creative fundraising. The see‑saw marathon builds on the success of previous 2020‑25 marathons and adds a new twist: participants pledge money to keep the see‑saw moving for a full 24 hours.
How it works
Nearly 100 teen volunteers will take turns on a handmade see‑saw placed outside the Center. Each volunteer pledges a set amount, and supporters can donate per hour of motion. The teen‑driven phrase “BYOP” – bring your own pillow – encourages families to join the fun, adding comfort and community spirit to the marathon.
Programs supported
Funds raised will sustain a range of youth‑focused activities, including:
- Monthly events such as Rock the Vote, community art nights, and parent‑youth programming.
- Weekly clubs like D&D Night, Arts and Anime, and a popular Cooking Club.
- Peer‑education workshops on online respect, mental‑health awareness, grief and loss, and suicide prevention.
- An African Connection program linking Washington teens with peers in the Congo via Zoom.
Since opening in 2008, the Center has welcomed over 3,200 unique teens, logging more than 38,000 visits in its 18‑year history.
Community involvement
The marathon is a collaborative effort between the Interact Club of Washington Rotary, the Teen Outreach Peer Education program, and alumni volunteers from Washington & Jefferson College. Their combined support ensures that the Center remains a vibrant hub for young people and their families.
How to help
Donors can contribute directly to the marathon or contact Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski ([email protected], 412‑877‑4906) or Amy Gough ([email protected], 201‑637‑2921) for more information about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities.
The see‑saw marathon not only aims to meet its financial target but also showcases the power of community‑driven action to preserve a vital resource for Washington’s youth.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
