The students from Wellington-area schools accepted the challenge to raise as much money and awareness as they could during the past few months — in small, yet meaningful ways. By collecting coins, dollars and online donations, they raised thousands of dollars, which they donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Palm Beach Chapter as part of the Pennies for Patients program.
Three schools took the challenge to another level with a “Penny War” among the students and staff of the Renaissance Charter School at Wellington, the Renaissance Charter School at Cypress and the Renaissance Charter School at Palms West.
The Renaissance Charter School at Wellington emerged victorious, raising $2,281.82 in three weeks. An award ceremony and check presentation were held on March 27, with Principal Mary Beth Greene; Karla Santiago, administrative assistant to the principal; teacher Jessica Fischer, Pennies for Patients coordinator; and kindergarten and first-grade students in attendance.
“We are truly grateful to the students and faculty of Renaissance Charter Schools through our Pennies for Patients campaign. Their commitment to instilling leadership and support for those fighting cancer will add tremendously to our mission to find cures for blood cancers,” said Pamela Payne, executive director of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Palm Beach Chapter.
Another school, Elbridge Gale Elementary School in Wellington, had more than a little fun with its fundraising. On March 15, the students put their teachers and administrators to the test during the school’s annual Pie Day.
Students paid $10 to pie a teacher, $20 for an assistant principal and $30 for the principal, happily raising more than $2,000 for Pennies for Patients.
Brittany Wilson, marketing director at the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s, got in on the action by paying to pie her friend, who is a teacher at Elbridge Gale. Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s generously sponsored the Student Series this year.
“This is our fourth annual Pie Day, so our kids look so forward to this event every year, and now it runs like such a well-oiled machine,” said Nicole Martinez, guidance counselor at Elbridge Gale Elementary School and Pennies for Patients coordinator. “We all try to have fun with it, as we know what an amazing cause it supports. The kids think it’s the best thing ever when they get to pie their teachers.”
