Mrs. Johnson's fourth-graders celebrate being the class that raised the most money -- $457.25 -- during the week-long Pennies for Patients fundraiser. Their reward: a pizza party!
WDC Elementary raised $4,085.40 in one week for Pennies for Patients! In one day alone (March 18), the school brought in $1,898.42!
The Jane Fiemeyer Princess Warrior Fund is matching $1,000, which brings the GRAND total to $5,085.40!
This money will go the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) -- an organization that collects money to find a cure for blood cancers and gives money to patients and their families to help with medical bills and expenses.
WDC fourth-grade teacher and WDC's Pennies for Patients Committee member, Scott Woods, said it was an exciting week of fund-raising for a meaningful cause.
"The really cool thing is how the kids competed to win but learned that winning the top class, grade-level party, or even the ice cream isn't what it was all about. They are realizing what they did for people in need who have to go through this terrible disease. It's so fun to see kids give money they could have used on themselves."
Pennies for Patients Committee member/WDC parent Jil Fiemeyer helped kick off the fundraiser on Monday with an inspirational message about her daughter Jane's wish of finding a cure for cancer. She encouraged them to help make raise money and awareness for cancer.
As of Wednesday, the school had already brought in more than $2,161.56, surpassing their goal of $2,000! They earned an extra 15 minutes of free time for reaching that goal.
Fiemeyer said she is beyond proud of WDC's efforts this week. When she heard the school raised more than $4,000 today (Friday), she beamed and said, "A-MAZING!"
"Jane would be so proud!" Fiemeyer said, adding, "But we couldn't have done this without the support of parents, families, students and staff. This money is going to help families in the area and help make Jane's wish come true."
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Minnesota chapter heard about the amazing job WDC kids did this week via Facebook and wanted to extend a great, big THANK YOU.
The class that raised the most money, $457.25, was Mrs. Hammer-Johnson's fourth graders. They earned a pizza party.
The grade-level that brought in the most money with $1,087.78 was second grade (Mr. Ferris, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Matthiesen and Mr. Tumberg). They get to go to a pool party at The Maslowski Wellness & Research Center.
On Thursday, March 24, the entire elementary school will be treated to ice cream as a thank you, compliments of the Kent and Shaneen Schmidt family.