Patrece Savino, a fifth grade student at Village Elementary School, recently spearheaded a benefit for cancer research and raised more than $650. When her mother, Donna Brooks, was diagnosed with cancer in August, 2007, Patrece wanted to find a way to help her mother and to make a difference for the future of cancer research.##M:[more]##
Patrece and her friends Prachi Mahableshwarkar, Rhea Khera, Yasmeen Baki, and Alexa Bronder laminated bookmarks. With the support of principal Brian Stevens and guidance counselor Karen Duffy, they solicited donations during lunch periods and collected donations from students, families, staff, and friends.
Contributions benefit Century for the Cure, a one-day, 100-mile bike-a-thon that raises money for the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. The ride, not a race, supports research and new treatment options for critically ill patients. (www.centuryforthecure.com)
“I can’t tell you how proud I am of her commitment to do something to help, and her perseverance to coordinate meetings with Mr. Stevens and organize the production of bookmarks by her friends,” says Donna Brooks. “It’s a great lesson in community involvement for our children, and a great example by Village School to support such an effort.”
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