Chaparral’s Pennies for Patients aids

Chaparral Elementary School in Calabasas is participating in the 2005 Pennies for Patients Campaign benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Through Thurs., Feb. 3, students are being asked to bring their spare pennies and other change to school and contribute them to their classroom’s collection container.

Funds raised support the Society’s mission to cure leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Chaparral is among more than 400 schools in the Greater Los Angeles area participating. The highest fundraising classroom in the school will receive a catered luncheon courtesy of their local Domino’s Pizza or Olive Garden Italian Restaurant. Schools are also eligible to win prizes and earn plaques.

The following local businesses will be donating a portion of their proceeds to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in events sponsored by Chaparral Elementary. Those interested in supporting these events should call the school to obtain the necessary coupon to present at time of purchase to qualify.

Calabasas: From 4 to 9 p.m. Wed., Jan. 26 is "Commons Night" with Stix, Johnny Rockets, La Salsa and Cold Stone Creamery participating.

Agoura Hills: From 5 to 8 p.m. at Islands and from 6 to 9 p.m. at Baskin Robbins on Tues., Feb. 1.

In addition, two Chaparral teachers, Alina Silvestre and Brett Ross, are participating in the Team in Training fundraising event in April, an Olympic distance triathlon in honor of all those struggling with cancer.

Chaparral has dedicated its fundraising efforts in honor of 10-year-old Cory Barham, the son of Celina and Brett Bar-ham, who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in March 1999.

Through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s School & Youth Programs, patients are matched with local participating schools.

"When I grow up, I want to be a doctor that helps children with cancer like myself," Cory said.

For further information on how to support the campaign, call Silvestre at (818) 591-2428, ext. 316 or reach her at (805) 990-2886.

For information on blood-related cancers, call (800) 955-4572 or visit www.leukemia-lymphoma.org.