Members of the Gymhawks Gymnastics Competitive Team in Whitewater recently worked together to complete 19 Random Acts of Kindness from October 5 – 24 to celebrate the memory of their former teammate and friend, Avery McCarthy. Avery was an 11-year old, talented and hard working gymnast, who was also a follower of Christ with a kind heart and a love of life. She focused on giving of herself and helping others, bringing joy to people every day simply by letting them know she cared. Each year, the 19 days between Avery’s birthday and the day she tragically passed away six years ago are celebrated – by completing 19 random acts of kindness in her honor. Inspired by the love and guidance provided by their coach, Allison Annala, and in celebration of the girls’ bond as teammates and friends, the team eagerly completed their Random Acts of Kindness throughout Whitewater and their surrounding communities. As team members reside in Whitewater, Palmyra, Janesville, and as far away as Watertown, Oconomowoc, Orfordville and surrounding areas, a variety of area organizations and individuals benefitted from the team’s efforts. A sample of their acts are noted below (a complete listing with additional photos and related video can be found on the Gymhawks Facebook page).
Day 12 – Ava (level 4) delivered a baking package to a retired teacher at her school who is recovering from cancer
Day 10 – Falyn (level 4) donated 19 handmade fleece blankets and pet food to the Humane Society of Jefferson County
Day 9 – Benzi (level 3) donated personal care items and doughnuts to the shelter for women and children at the House of Mercy in Janesville
Day 7 – Makayla (level 4) donated 19 items, including kid-friendly snacks, to The Little Food Pantry in Whitewater
Day 6 – Izzy (level 7) delivered a fall plant and a special “Thank you” to the Vice Principal at her school for going above and beyond in helping her throughout the year
Day 5 – Bailey (level 3) delivered flowers care package to the 3rd floor nurses and patients at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater in memory of her great-grandmother who was a resident there until she passed.
Day 4 – Trinity (level 6) Baked cookies to share with her whole class at school
Day 3 – Lacy (level 3) Donated 19 pairs of socks to the Community Clothes Closet in Whitewater
Day 1 – Carmen (Level 5) and Courtney (Level 4) delivered a box of fire-themed treats to the Janesville fire station and cookies to their police station to thank their local heroes
The Gymhawks Gymnastics program is a developmental gymnastics program run by the UW-Whitewater Gymnastics team. Young gymnasts learn in state-of-the art facilities with professional and caring staff and train in the same facilities as the five-time NCGA Division III National Gymnastics Champions Whitewater Warhawks. Gymhawks offer recreational group sessions, private and semi-private lessons, gymnastics camps, birthday parties, and has a USAG Competitive Team.
The Gymhawks competitive team currently consists of 21 team members, competing at Levels 3 – 7. Their team has completed the first two of five scheduled competitive meets this season and 12 gymnasts have already qualified to compete at the State Gymnastics Competition on December 1st for Levels 3 – 5. Gymnasts Amethyst Grunnert (Level 3), Ava Zepezauer (Level 4) and Rhianna Pena (Level 5) are currently leading each level with high scores.
For more information about Gymhawks Gymnastics, contact Head Coach Allison Annala at gymhawks@uww.edu or 262-472-1454, find them on Facebook under “Gymhawks Gymnastics” or at the University of Whitewater’s website.
For more information about Averydayministries, find them on Facebook under AVERYday Ministries.
