Number of Participants: 200
Hours Donated: 1
Value of Time Served: $1,690
Event Amount Raised: $4,001
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Sport: Schools
Date: June 27, 2017
Location:
West Hempstead
New York 11552, United States
About:
Students, staff and administrators of Cornwell Avenue Elementary School in the West Hempstead School District raised more than $4,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through their Pennies for Patients fundraiser.
Leading a kickoff assembly at the school on March 3, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Campaign Specialist Alexa Landro explained to students that their donations will assist in finding cures and improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families.
Over the course of two months, students were asked to donate spare change and create collection boxes so that friends, families and neighbors could give to the cause as well. During the last week of April, the classes sent their donations to the main office, where first-grade teacher Edna Messina, the fundraiser’s coordinator, tallied each class’ contribution.
Landro returned to Cornwell Avenue on April 28 for a closing ceremony that celebrated the school’s generous grand fundraising total of $4,001.76. Gathered in the gymnasium, Messina and fifth-grade student council representatives Ivana Jimenez and Gabriel Blanco expressed their sincere gratitude to the entire school for participating in this year’s drive.
Ivana and Gabriel awarded pennants to all 14 homeroom classes for their efforts; seven classes earned bronze for raising $100-$199, three earned silver for raising $200-$299, and four earned gold for collecting more than $300. The complete list of winners can be found on the district’s website at www.whufsd.com.
They also presented third-grader Lela Martin with a stuffed animal for pushing the school’s grand total of more than $4,000 with her contribution of $8.73. Additionally, Desiree Karroll’s class raised the most money with a total of $725.
Concluding the ceremony, teachers and staff performed a surprise flash mob dance to Justin Timberlake’s hit song “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” Dancing around the gymnasium, students and faculty were clapping, laughing and singing along as the teachers performed.
The district extends a special thank you to Ms. Messina and the student council for organizing this successful fundraiser and giving the student body an opportunity to come together and help others.
