Waverly Avenue Elementary had a St. Baldrick’s Event complete with Irish Step dancers, Shavees, and a set of bagpipes. With the help of third grade teacher, Kristina Fulcher and principal, John Ruggero, Waverly was able to raise almost $30,000! This beat last year’s fundraising total of $20,000.
Leading up to the event, teachers, parents, students, and staff, worked hard to get the word out about our fundraiser by making their own fundraising pages and sharing them with family and friends. We sold green hair extensions to both the students and staff. In addition, we did “Jeans for a Cause” every Tuesday in March, where students and staff would donate their spare change if they wore jeans to school! All of the proceeds from both the hair extensions and “Jeans for a Cause” went directly to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
On the day of the event, radio station 106.1 WBLI came to support our school and play music. A third grade teacher, Mr. Paul Kolensky, played the bagpipes as the assembly began. Two of Sachem’s own students- Shannon Abraldes from Merrimac and Daniel Pensabene from Sequoia- performed an amazing Irish Step Dancing routine. Councilman, Neil Foley, came to support us at the event as well.
The most touching part of the day was when over 60 students, parents, and staff shaved their heads in solidarity with those children fighting this terrible disease. Among those who shaved their heads were third grade teacher, Paul Kolensky; Physical Education teacher, Tom Erb; music teacher, Jason Macy, and Superintendent, Jim Nolan. A special thanks to the Cynthia Smith and her team from Katherine Jon Salon for donating their time to come help shave heads for our event!
A special honor was given to Waverly TA, Mike Dreyhaupt, who is a childhood cancer survivor. He was given a medal and also shaved his head that day. His touching story was shared with the students and staff. He has been cancer free for 20 years!
In addition, there were raffles going on throughout the assembly. About 25 different businesses throughout eastern Long Island donated gift certificates and baskets to our event. Among many of the businesses that donated to the event are Koga Fitness, LA Hair Salon, Magic Car Wash, Ideal Image, Phil’s Restaurant and Bar, Public House, Unique Fitness, Cactus Salon and Harbor Ballet Dance Studio – just to name a few.
All of the parents, teachers, and staff at Waverly did an amazing job of promoting this cause with students, families, and friends. The outstanding fundraising total is only a small indicator of how our Waverly family so often comes together to make any event a success. As always, the hard work and dedication of our principal, John Ruggero, inspired us all to strive to accomplish our fundraising goals. We hope to make it an annual event at Waverly and raise even more next year!
-Submitted by Danielle Sexton