St Rose Sixth Graders Raise Funds In A Carnival Of Caring

By Tanjua Damon

St Rose sixth graders held a Carnival of Caring to help raise money for cancer research April 25 in honor of their classmate’s mother who is battling the disease. The students’ efforts raised $4,094.10, which they presented to Laura McCormick of the American Cancer Society earlier this week.

The carnival took place in the parish hall and participants paid an entry fee to enjoy dancing, facing painting, an egg hunt, games, a scavenger hunt, and a cakewalk. The students also sold food and drinks to reach their goal of at least $3,500.

“My mom has cancer so we decided to so something for that,” Jackie Fisher said.

“Everyone with cancer needs our help,” Daniel Quinn said. “Scientists need out help, too, with money.”

The students were pleased with the success of the carnival, which they helped organize along with parent volunteers. The entire school got involved with classes compiling items for baskets, which were raffled off. There was also a silent auction where people could bid on VIP Yankees tickets, a vacation to the Jersey shore, and signed baseballs.

“A whole bunch of people came,” Emma Canfield said. “It was like a big party.”

Local stores donated items for the carnival. Sixth grader Jonathan Saverese baked a few cakes himself for the cakewalk. Religion teacher Pam Arsenault and parent Lourdes Paniqua helped the students organize the event with the students.

Ms McCormick explained to the students that their efforts are greatly appreciated by the American Cancer Society, which uses donated money for research and education.

“Everyday something new is developed. It really is making a difference,” she said. “The American Cancer Society has provided money to 32 Nobel Prize winners who have discovered something that is significant. That’s what this money does. It really helps people. What we do today will help us tomorrow.”