Special thanks to The Augusta Chronicle for the article below about fundraising efforts to support our named fund – Press On to CURE Childhood Cancer!
By Nikasha Dicks
Funds raised went to CURE Childhood Cancer, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to fund childhood cancer research and provide education and support to patients and families.
Press On was created by Patrick’s parents in 2006 to provide funding for neuroblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia research.
The Episcopal Day School pupils’ fundraising project involved by selling cupcakes, brownies and cookies at school and in their neighborhoods; selling wristbands that said “Brennan Simkins Press On;” and speeches and public service announcements. Some pupils also tithed their allowance.
Palmer Bachelder and Crimmins Hankinson set up a lemonade stand at their brothers’ soccer games distributing free cups of lemonade and getting donations. They were able to raise about $400.
It was touching to see people donate for the cause, said Palmer, who has known Brennan “since he was a baby.”
“It hit me right here,” the 10-year-old said as he pointed to his heart. “It makes me sad to know that there are people with cancer. I really wanted to make a difference and help raise as much as I could for research so they can find a cure.”
McCall Stevenson, 11, agreed.
“It made me happy that people cared so much to donate,” she said. “It proved that even if you donate $1, it will make a big difference.”
“Even one penny counts,” added Palmer.
Raising thousands of dollars in such a short period says a lot about where the children’s heart was and their commitment to helping other kids, said the school’s chaplain, Rev. Dr. Frank Sawyer.
“They’ve done an excellent job,” he said. “They’ve really embraced what it means to help others.”
Press On’s efforts to raise money for the CURE Childhood Cancer organization continues through Dec. 30. If you would like to donate, go to www.firstgiving.com/2010curekidspatrickandbrennan.
