Students were thinking pink this fall and figured out creative fundraising activities that brought in the dough — for a good cause.
Students at Suffern Middle School and Suffern High School mounted a series of events for cancer awareness, screening and treatment that collectively raised more than $8,500.
“We are off to a very exciting start,” said Jennifer Wright, a Suffern Middle School special education teacher and Youth Against Cancer Club co-advisor. “We’ve had more than 60 students who have attended club meetings this year.”
In September and October, the Suffern Middle School Youth Against Cancer (YAC) Club raised $7,422 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, even taking the the streets to demonstrate camaraderie with the cause. On October 21, more than 100 students, teachers, families and friends walked in the Light the Night Walk in honor of a SMS sixth-grader who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia. Since its founding in September 2011, the Suffern Middle School YAC Club has raised nearly $20,000 for cancer organizations.
Non-profit executives in training might want to take notice.
Meanwhile, the Suffern High School Women’s Issues Group (WIG) raised more than $900 for breast cancer programs in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Throughout October, the group worked on several event, partnering with Nyack Hospital on its annual Blow Away Breast Cancer campaign that focuses on underwriting screenings and treatment for underserved women in Rockland County.
WIG members and staff advisors also hit the pavement for the American Cancer Society’s 17th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – Hudson Valley Walk at Woodbury Common on October 21. The students finished off their fundraising with a Think Pink Bagel Breakfast finale, arriving at Suffern High School at 6 a.m. on October 26 to prepare bagels, cream cheese, butter, doughnuts and beverages donated by the community.
WIG’s Think Pink Bagel Breakfast raised more than $560 for Making Strides campaign.
Advisors Ann Marie Casarella, Sarah Kern, Janet Leale and Shelley Stephenson were impressed by the impact of students’ work.
“We are tremendously proud of the work done by the WIG girls this fall. Their efforts demonstrate just how big their hearts are and their enthusiasm matches their commitment to women’s causes,” they said.
An additional $300 was raised by the Suffern High School Youth Against Cancer (YAC) Club during Spirit Week.
Courtesy of Jennifer Citrolo at Ramapo Central School District.
