Students at Clearview Elementary School brought in a record amount of change over the last three weeks, with a grand total of $1,895 for their annual “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser for leukemia. Their goal was $1,000.
The fundraiser, held Jan. 18 to Feb. 9, was sponsored by the Clearview Student Council. Each student received a collection box; donations could also be made on-line.
Student Council President Miles W. explained they got everyone excited to participate by talking about the fundraiser during morning announcements, hanging posters up around the school, and student council members explaining to all the teachers about why it was important.
To add even more incentive, the classes that raised the most during the fundraiser won a pizza party. The top fundraisers this year were Profesora Marita’s kindergarten class with $268, and Profesora Mayra’s third grade class with $260.
“We’re helping people that have a sickness that is called leukemia,” said kindergartener Hannah T. “We got them money. My grandpa and cousins gave me some.”
“We’re raising money to give to doctors so we can help kids who have leukemia,” added Kindergartener Monica S. “It’s a very big deal sickness.”
Kindergartener Gavin V., who raised over $100 on-line, said he asked his family and friends for money to help.
“My mom is one of the people who help other people have healthy lives,” said Third Grader Anna G., who brought in $125. “So she said let’s donate a bunch of money.”
“I wanted to bring in money because my grandpa in Mexico is getting sick and I don’t know what’s going to happen to him,” said Third Grader Anza T.
“Pennies for Patients” is a national fundraiser sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). While students collect money to support blood cancer research, they learn about service, leadership and philanthropy.
With the help of programs like this, LLS has been able to find effective cancer therapies that, over the last 50 years, have increased the childhood leukemia survival rate from 3% to 90%.
