Game show aids homeless

Local organizations will present “Are They Smarter Than A Fifth Grader,” a spin on the TV game show, to raise money in support of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

The event is 7 p.m. today at Bloomington High School South. Locally high-profile community members such as radio host and DJ for B97 Pam Thrash, Dr. Richard Malone of Southern Indiana Pediatrics and Senior Faculty Lecturer at the Kelley School of Business Darryl Neher have been scheduled to participate in the game.

Organized by Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, Martha’s House, Shalom Community Center and Stepping Stones, the donations and funds raised will go to benefit those in need of food and shelter, said Brooke Gentile, executive director for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard.

She added that as the four organizations were brainstorming types of events that would be fun and engaging, one of the organizers came up with the game show idea and it stuck. The event will include community-based trivia about issues of hunger and homelessness, and teams have been structured so that adults will be on teams with fifth graders.

She added that Malone was chosen because of his community-based recognition.
“Organizers felt the students would recognize him as a familiar face in the community,” Gentile said.

Leaders in the community were recruited to participate because people would like to see them on stage and they understand the issues of hunger and homelessness and can spread the word throughout the week, Gentile said. 

After thinking about her participation, Thrash said she soon realized that using her name would benefit those in need of food in shelter. Neher also said he agreed.
“Thankfully my radio experiences helped me get more involved in causes like Homeless Hunger Awareness Week,” he said.

Lisa Roberts, a Lake View Elementary teacher, said Neher is scheduled to host the event and has been at the fifth graders’ school preparing for the event. Roberts taught fifth grade for 13 years and said she has been working with the students.

“They’re really excited,” she said.