BRADLEY — Bradley Union School District students found a way to extend the spirit of competition beyond the playing field this past winter, raising $1,100 for a local nonprofit that helps families facing cancer.
The district’s Associated Student Body chose to donate all admission proceeds from the 2025-26 winter sports season to SabesWings, which provides financial assistance to individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
Students announced the donation during a schoolwide morning meeting April 15, where they were joined by SabesWings founders Bret and Kandace Saberhagen. Bret Saberhagen, a former Major League Baseball player, and his wife accepted the $1,100 donation from the students.
The students also presented the Saberhagens with Bradley Bulldog baseball hats.
“We are so proud of the students at Bradley Union School District and the values they are being taught about giving back,” said Bret and Kandace Saberhagen. “Their kindness and generosity will make a real difference for families facing cancer.”
The Saberhagens returned the gesture by presenting the school district with an autographed jersey highlighting Bret Saberhagen’s Major League Baseball accomplishments.
For SabesWings Executive Director Candace Oestreich, the students’ decision to direct their sports proceeds toward families affected by cancer demonstrated that young people can make a difference in their community.
“Seeing the students of Bradley Union School District come together to support individuals and families facing cancer is incredibly meaningful,” Oestreich said. “Their generosity reminds us that impact has no age limit. Every dollar raised helps SabesWings provide real, practical financial relief to families during one of the hardest seasons of their lives. We are so grateful for these young people not only for what they raised, but for the compassion and example they are setting in their community.”
The donation was part of the ASB’s efforts to use its activities to support the broader community, according to the district.
“The fundraiser reflected the leadership, compassion and commitment to community service demonstrated by Bradley students,” stated the district in a news release. “By choosing to use proceeds from their winter sports season to help others, ASB students turned school spirit into an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for individuals and families in their community.”
