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Schools

BackStoppers Fundraising Keeps Parkway Student Rocking

Jennifer Rubin formed Rockin4Relief in 2009.

You might not have known it, but Aug. 1 was a special day in Chesterfield. Mayor Bruce Geiger at the Monday Chesterfield City Council meeting.

It’s a well-deserved tribute for Rubin, a sophomore at . Rubin was honored for her fundraising efforts for BackStoppers, an organization that provides support for families of fallen police and firefighters.

“I was very surprised to receive the award,” Rubin said. “I thought I was attending the council meeting to present information about my next fundraiser. It’s really an honor. My whole family was there with me and some of the Chesterfield (police) officers I know.” 

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Rubin began fundraising for BackStoppers as a tribute to the safety officers from her elementary school and the officers she met while working at Safety Town. The two-week camp teaches basic safety to young children. 

“I began volunteering there in seventh grade and got to know more police officers. They are so hardworking and help so many people that I felt like I could do something to help them,” Rubin said.

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Rubin started Rockin4Relief in 2009 as a way to show her appreciation to officers and firefighters. She spent 10 hours in a rocking chair in front of an area Dierbergs Market, rocking and collecting donations for BackStoppers. Rubin has held two Rockin4Relief events since then and collected more than $2,700.

Not satisfied to rest on her laurels, another rocking marathon is set for Oct. 22. “I’ve gotten 15 friends to join me, so we’ll be at about six locations collecting donations,” Rubin said. “I plan to do this for as long as I can.”

Rubin also volunteers for a Special Olympics event held annually at Parkway Central. She is an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and a Parkway Central softball player.

“I’ve been playing softball since I was 4. I’m catcher now because I am a die-hard Molina fan. I love catching, and I seem to be naturally good at it,” she said. 

Jennifer is the daughter of Phillip and Sarah Rubin. Her family includes two brothers, Brian and Andrew, and a sister, Paige. 

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