WHS celebrated record Doernbecher fund raiser

Wahkiakum High School students and staff turned out for a victory assembly on April 1 honoring the March 2011 fundraiser benefitting the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland.

Every March, Kiwanis International’s Pacific North West (PNW) Region sponsors fundraisers, on-site visits, and related events to support Doernbecher’s cancer research and treatment programs.

This year, the WHS Key Club--a high school affiliate of Kiwanis--approached the Kiwanis Club of Cathlamet for support in organizing gift teddy bear sponsorships, bracelets, Doernbecher Dollies placards, and root beer float fundraising events. The Kiwanis Club agreed to buy the root beer and ice cream for the floats, and assist the Key Club as needed. These events, including a very popular pie-in the faculty face event, were reported in the March 26 edition of The Eagle.

As a run up to the March projects, a contingent of WHS Key Club members and Kiwanians had planned to participate in the annual Kiwanis Day celebration at Doernbecher on February 26, only to have the trip scrubbed because of safety concerns about icy road conditions that day. Not to be discouraged, arrangements were made for a presentation of fundraising results to be given to Kiwanis PNW representative John Brookens April 1.

Brookens conveyed the appreciation of Doernbecher and Kiwanis for the students’ effectiveness in mobilizing student, family, and community generosity. At the end of his remarks, Brookens was presented with a large ceremonial check for $3,600 made out to Doernbecher.

WHS Principal Dan Casler complimented the students for their dedication to community service by working hard and selflessly for a great cause. Cathlamet Kiwanis President Trinidad Medina had earlier thanked the local businesses for supporting the club’s Doernbecher collection jars in their establishments during February.

After the assembly, the students enjoyed root beer floats courtesy of Kiwanis. Brookens joined Medina and Vice-president Dick Swart in thanking Key Club faculty adviser Jeff Rooklidge and parent advisor Angie Pugh for their leadership and success in this year’s Doernbecher event.

Kiwanis International is a philanthropic organization dedicated to serving the children of the world, starting with their own community.