LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Some southern Indiana students will get a little extra sleep on Tuesday, Jan. 20, after a fundraiser goal in honor of Indiana football's historic run was surpassed in just two days.
Lanesville Community School Corporation Superintendent Ryan Apple was asked by a parent if students could have a two-hour delay to stay up and watch the Hoosiers in the College Football National Championship.
He came up with an idea: If the school system can raise $1,820 for Riley Children’s Hospital, students will be given a two-hour delay. The $1,820 amount denotes Indiana University's founding as the state's seminary in 1820.
Apple said as of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, the current total stood at $2,276.39.
"I can't tell you how proud I am of this community and those from outside our borders who have taken up the charge to help the kid's at Riley's," he said. "It truly is humbling to see the goodness of people."
Apple said if the two-hour delay impacts parents' work schedules, he's willing to watch kids in the high school gym from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Despite reaching the initial goal, Apple believes the community can surpass it even further.
"We want to see how much money we can raise for the kids at Riley's," he said. "The support for this initiative has really been humbling, but I know this community and the Hoosier state can do even more."
The last chance to donate will be at the boys' high school basketball game Saturday, Jan. 17.
Indiana football will face the Miami Hurricanes on Monday, Jan. 19, in Miami for the national championship. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. WDRB will have coverage leading up to kickoff and from Miami at the game.
WDRB's coverage of Indiana football's historic season
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.