ALT School Superheroes Fundraising Campaign
Submitted by Shannon Regan
The Superheroes from Angelo L. Tomaso (ALT) School were back at it again, participating in the 2021 Pennies for Patients annual fundraising program. Pennies for Patients connects schools with local blood cancer patients, provides tangible life skills to participants, and allows students to see the impact they’re making in the lives of others.
For many years ALT has been recognized as a top supporter of the Pennies for Patients program through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). In May of 2020 ALT Principal, Ms. Christine Smith and Grade 5 Teacher Mrs. Nancy Andrews were both honored during a virtual celebration for their commitment to the LLS.
On April 20, students and staff were encouraged to tap into their superpowers by wearing a color that matched their superpower strength.
Red = Patience, Pink = Kindness, Blue = Strength, Purple = Resilience, Green = Teamwork, Orange = Respect, Yellow = Bravery, While = Empathy and Black = Persistence.
The ALT staff were dressed in blue shiny capes sealed with a common phrase of encouragement repeated by Smith, “Who are We? ALT!” The capes were purchased by Ms. Smith and stamped by Mrs. Marissa Marton-Sarao, the art teacher.
During A.M. drop off and P.M. pickup, the ALT superheroes visited the car line to collect generous donations from ALT families. Students were also able to bring their donations into their classrooms to give to an ALT Superhero. According to Andrews, some families made multiple donations.
In the end, the one-day fundraiser raised a grand total of $5,190.91. Andrews, the driving force behind the effort was very excited and appreciative of the generosity from the ALT community.
Smith shared her reaction to the success of the fundraising campaign. “The Pennies for Patients fundraising campaign was started by Mrs. Andrews years ago and is one of the most exciting events of the year! What many do not know is that Mrs. Andrews is a model of the superpowers that childhood cancer patients exhibit in their battle with cancer as a survivor herself. We are always humbled by the generosity and empathy of our ALT families and love to see everyone united in such a meaningful way. Who are we?! ALT!!!”
Photos by Warren Township Schools
