Waverly Park Elementary School students, staff and family members teamed up for a Walk-a-Thon fundraiser that benefitted several causes.
The students garnered support prior to the event and, thanks to generous contributions from their families and friends, raised more than $2,000, a record amount for the annual initiative.
The Walk-a-Thon kicked off with a school-wide assembly, during which students presented checks to representatives from March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation. These guests addressed the young audience and described their organizations’ missions as they graciously accepted the donations. Lynbrook High School sophomore Hannah Burton discussed her experience with type 1 diabetes, for which the JDRF hopes to find a cure. Pam Gerstman informed students that the Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation makes safe summer day camps possible for children with special needs. Melinda Raymer summarized the March of Dimes’ efforts to ensure that babies are born healthy, and Relay for Life coordinator Adam Glickman provided insight about helping the ACS in its fight against cancer.
Waverly Park presented each organization with a $500 check, and additionally donated $150 to the East Rockaway Grist Mill Museum for hosting students during educational visits each year. First- through fifth-graders gained an understanding of the work that these groups do to change and improve the lives of others, and the valuable role that they can play through service to the community and world at large.
1: Waverly Park students present a $500 check to Melinda Raymar for March of Dimes.
3: Shari Bowes and students prepare to set out for the walk-a-thon.
4: Waverly Park’s walk-a-thon participants exited the gymnasium doors and walked through a path lined with decorative bags that represented the causes for which they raised funds.
Photos Courtesy of Lynbrook Public SchoolsWaverly Park Makes Strides to Make a Difference
