Every school year, Downingtown East High School’s student-run business group, Cougar Corp., raises money to donate to a local charity.

This year, the group ran a profitable business and donated $1,300 to All 4 Paws Rescue, an animal rescue and no-kill shelter based in Chester Springs, according to a report in the Daily Local News.

Cougar Corp. is comprised of students in teacher Todd Ripkey’s entrepreneurship classes. This year, the group sold pretzels before school in the fall, organized the annual Dodgeball tournament in March, and sold spirit wear in the spring.

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The three “businesses” generated approximately $1,500. After paying back $200 in costs associated with each event, the students were able to present a $1,300 check to Kristin Kidwel, director of All 4 Paws.

The idea for a student-run business began in 2008 as part of the Exton Chamber of Commerce’s Business and Education Partnership program. The chamber lent its expertise and the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union provided a small loan to help with startup costs.

“We want to thank both the Exton Chamber and Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union,” said Cougar Corp. CEO Chris Sleeman, a Downingtown East senior. “We have learned so much from them.”

Read more about Cougar Corp. in the Daily Local News by clicking here.