When it comes to fundraising for childhood cancer research, Whitewater High students know how to reach the hearts and purse strings of their fellow classmates and the community.

For the last two years, the school has set and broke state fundraising records for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients campaign. Now the school is gaining national recognition for its efforts by becoming the sixth highest contributing school in the nation. 

“That’s amazing for a school that started the program in 2004. Whitewater’s connection and dedication to the mission has started to set a wonderful example for the rest of Georgia to follow,” says Amy R. Stapleton, school and youth campaign coordinator for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The school’s first campaign netted $9,300 in three weeks and broke the state’s record. Last year, the school broke its own state record by raising over $22,000.

The Whitewater Student Ambassador program heads up the Pennies for Patients initiative. Each year students tie the campaign to a local child who is battling a blood disorder. Last year, the school rallied around the younger brother of a Whitewater High student who is fighting leukemia.

As Whitewater High gets ready to gear up for the 2007-2008 campaign, the school hopes their success inspires others in Georgia to make this year’s fundraiser the best ever.

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