South Seneca Freshmen students Kloe Rappleye and Alyssa Minges recently led an initiative dubbed “Bustin’ Birds for Boobies” in which the pair raised $9,670 to donate to Embrace Your Sisters – a non-profit organization providing financial support to people with breast cancer in the Finger Lakes Region.

Kloe and Alyssa were able to wildly surpass their goals when they decided to embark on this journey. The event, “Bustin’ Birds for Boobies” was offered to the public at the Lodi Rod and Gun Club for $50, which included food, a t-shirt, and shooting clay targets/pigeons. The end result was nearly $10,000 raised for a great cause.

“First and foremost,” Kloe and Alyssa wrote together in a thank-you letter, “we want to thank you all for being here this evening and those for showed up, took aim, and stood together in support of something far bigger than any one of us. This trap shoot isn’t just about the sport or the competition, it’s about community, compassion, and courage.”

“To our sponsors, donors, and volunteers — thank you for making this event possible,” they continued. “Your generosity keeps the targets flying and the hope alive. Every dollar raised  helps fund breast cancer, supports patients and families, and spreads awareness that saves lives.”

South Seneca Principal Sarah Horton was excited to see two of her freshmen lead such a successful endeavor for a great cause.

“This is an awesome initiative,” she said. “I was not involved, but as far as it happening next year and my response – I am blown away by how successful this was and am incredibly proud of our students' initiative and care for others in their community and would love to see it happen next year and would love to support them in any way possible in expanding on its success.”

South Seneca teacher Tera Stagg, who wanted the community to hear about this story and accomplishment, echoed that sentiment.

“We wanted to help the cause,” she said. “We had many family members and friends who have been affected by breast cancer, as well as members of the sportsmen's club. We were shocked and happy by how much we raised. We didn't expect to get this great a turnout. Given that, we are planning on making this an annual event going forward.”

Kloe and Alyssa closed their joint thank-you letter with thanking everyone involved.

“To the shooters — thank you for bringing your energy, and good spirits. Whether you hit every target or just a few, every shot fired today represents strength, resilience, and the determination to fight for the cause. And to the survivors among us — you are our inspiration. Your courage reminds us why we gather, why we give, and why we keep pushing forward. You show us what it means to fight with grace, to face fear with faith, and to live each day with purpose.”

“Lastly, to everyone who helped us organize, promote, cook, clean, and that helped in any way — thank you. It takes a lot to pull off an event like this, and ours is one full of love.”