Rainy Day Carnival Raises Money For Hurricane Relief

October 13 was a rainy, bone chilling day. Three friends who were out of school for the day, however, decided to hold an indoor carnival at the McManus household to raise money for the Katrina relief effort.

Fifth graders Katie McManus, Caroline Kingsley, and Jilliana Ciamarra, who affectionately call themselves “The Three Musketeers,” had been wanting to do something to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The bad weather did not dampen the girls’ endeavors; they invited friends over to enjoy a day at the carnival, along with a puppet show, face painting, carnival-type games, and refreshments. The girls printed up their own tickets and charged for the activities and food.

By the end of the afternoon, the girls had raised enough money to send to the American Red Cross. They raised $60 from children attending the carnival event and an additional donation of $23 was given to the cause by Caroline Kingsley. Katie’s father, Paul McManus, donated an additional $200 and her mom Tracey made up the rest adding to a grand total raised of $350.

Ms McManus said, “It was important for them to raise the money. They have been working together and planning someway that they could help. These girls are very in to helping others.”