South County Students Band Together for Gapsch Family

Students in school districts across South County are organizing their own fundraising efforts for the Gapsch family, and have already raised more than $3,800.

Last week, 79-year-old Georgetta, 38-year-old Terry and 11-year-old Maci Gapsch died following a house fire. Georgetta's son, Mehlville Fire Protection District firefighter Mike Gapsch, was among the first responders to the scene. 13-year-old Sperreng Middle School student Mia Gapsch is the sole survivor of the fire. 

The Lindbergh Schools Foundation immediately set up a fund for the family, but several students throughout the district are helping out in more personal ways.

Sperreng seventh graders Payton Husman, Mia's science partner, and Annabelle Davis raised $350 by selling candy to parents at last week's open house, according to the Lindbergh School District website. Eighth graders Mary Kate Heuer, Libby Dorsey and Maria Wasenius and LHS freshman Jenny Heuer raised more than $1,000 with a snow cone stand.

Truman Middle School eighth-grader organized a hat day at the school where students paid to wear their hats inside. The event raised more than $2,000, according to the district website.

Sperreng student Justin Fisher and Sunset Lanes Bowling Alley are hosting a fundraiser at the bowling alley on Friday, Sept. 5. Stop by between 4 and 6 p.m. for $10 unlimited bowling. Shoes are included. 

LHS' Student Council will offer face painting, an inflatable slide, games for kids and plenty of snacks as they tailgate before the football team's first home game on Friday, Sept. 5. All food sales will be donated to the Gapsch family.

Sperreng students will be at the school, 12111 Tesson Ferry Rd., on Saturday for "M&M's for Mia and Maci." Anyone who stops by from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. to give a donation will receive a bag of M&M's in honor of the Sperreng students. Culver’s South County will be serving free frozen custard to all donors. The MFPD and St. Louis County will be selling chicken, pork steak, brats, burgers and hot dogs at the event.

Next week, Kennerly Elementary students will participate in a Pajama Day, with all money to benefit the Gapsch family. 

Students in Mehlville and Arnold are also jumping to action on behalf of the Gapsch family. Seckman Middle School students raised $850 by having an iPod Day at the school last week. Oakville Middle School students will also have a hat day. 

Learn about other community and business efforts to assist the Gapsch family.