Sagemont Students Making a Difference for Kids with Cancer

Weston, FL, June 25, 2009 --(PR.com)-- From Jump Rope for Heart to Turkey Trot to Relay for Life, The Sagemont School, a private school located in Broward County Florida, has always been involved in community service. This year, the elementary school campus serving students from preschool through fifth grade created a new charitable project called Kids Helping Kids Foundation to benefit the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. All money donated will go directly to pediatric cancer research as well as to provide support for families with a child in treatment.

The students raised almost $10,000 with fundraisers like movie night, dress down day, Valentine’s Day lollipops, holiday boutique, t-shirt contest, car wash, and dance-a-thon. The foundation also received a portion of the proceeds from the school’s drama production. Student council President Blake Myerson, said, “Participating in this project made me feel good because I know it's for a helpful cause and when you do good things for others it is the best feeling you can get.”

Principal Joann Laskin, one of the foundation’s organizers, is very familiar with Sylvester. Her son Jonathan was treated there for Osteogenic Sarcoma. He passed away in 2002 at age 17. “We decided to form this foundation as cancer has affected each of our lives in various ways,” said Principal Laskin. “We are survivors, parents who have lost children and adults who have lost parents.” The other founders include preschool teacher Barbra Eisensmith who is a five-year breast cancer survivor and assistant camp director Linda Glovsky, whose mother died of lung cancer. Eisensmith said, “I think children need to learn and be taught compassion. Children live in a world where it’s all about them and they need to be given hands-on opportunities to make a difference in other kids’ lives and to feel good about what they have done!”

Earlier in the year, students were asked to donate some of their old toys for a treasure box for the kids who are undergoing treatment to enjoy. Fifteen boxes were collected. As part of Cookies for a Cure, Sagemont girl scouts also delivered over 300 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to kids undergoing treatment. Glovsky said, “I think we are helping to create compassionate kids who will hopefully continue to be charitable in the future as well.”

The Sagemont School offers a college prep curriculum and operates two campuses in Weston, Fl. In Pre-K through Grade 5, The Sagemont School offers core concepts in a creative environment combined with weekly specials that include science, art, music, Spanish, swimming, PE and media and technology. From middle school through graduation, Sagemont students choose from a variety of regular, honors and AP course work. In addition, students share in a networked wireless laptop community and participate in a comprehensive guidance program for college entrance. Visit The Sagemont School Web site at http://www.sagemont.com/.

For more information on The Sagemont School contact Dr. Brent Goldman, President at (954) 389-2454 ext, 305, or email to bgoldman@sagemont.com.

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