Staff, students and community members of Connetquot Central School District’s Ronkonkoma Middle School recently came together for two fundraising events to benefit individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The Ronkonkoma Middle School Honor Society hosted an ALS-Awareness car wash with support from classmates, faculty and local residents. Proceeds from this event were donated to Ride for Life, an organization started by Chris Pendergast, a retired teacher living with ALS for more than 24 years.
“This organization has been a tremendous supporter of the cause over the years and has raised over $7 million,” explained Ronkonkoma Middle School Principal Charles Morea. “Their most recent effort involved participants – including Mr. Pendergast – completing a trip in their wheelchairs from Yankee Stadium to Washington, D.C. in order to raise ALS awareness and funding.”
Additionally, RMS students and staff participated in a “Ramp Shot” tournament in the school gymnasium, which raised $1,900 toward ALS research and included a generous $500 donation from Mittan Chathan and Ankita Chathan, owners of a local 7-Eleven store.
Thanks to the efforts of Ronkonkoma Middle School physical education teacher Justin Hertz and other staff members, 82 students participated in the event. The winners received a “Ramp Shot” game to take home for themselves as well as gift cards to Applebees, which were donated by school guidance counselor Christine Valente and the RMS Honor Society. The winners will also have their names placed on a trophy created by technology teacher Nate Giagios.
Photo Caption: Ronkonkoma Middle School students recently participated in a “Ramp Shot” tournament in the school gymnasium which raised $1,900 toward ALS research and included a generous $500 donation from Mittan Chathan and Ankita Chathan, owners of a local 7-Eleven store.
Photos courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District/Joe Maniaci
