Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Connetquot Teachers Spearhead The Fight Against Cancer

For the past several years Connetquot Teachers have joined forces and collected money for cancer research by selling daffodils. Again this year, an effort spearheaded by Connetquot Teachers Association Coordinator of Community Advocacy, Nancy Dunlop brought together teachers, secretaries, AP's, Food Service Workers, Central Office personnel and retirees to raise more than $4,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS). According to Dunlop "... this year's total exceeds last year's effort by almost $1,000. Anne Thorenson of the ACS reports that Connetquot's total exceeds all other school districts in Suffolk County!

Mrs. Dunlop would like to express her thanks to all the Connetquot building coordinators for their assistance in this year's fund-raising effort. According to Thorenson, Connetquot's efforts, "... coordinated by the great work done by Nancy Dunlop ..." has helped us raise over $185,000 this year." That money will make it possible for the ACS to fund cancer research, educate the public and stress the importance of early detection.

Thorenson believes that "... the Daffodil Days program represents the chance to fight back against cancer by raising funds and awareness to help beat the disease. While Daffodil Days involves offering daffodils every spring to donors in appreciation for their contributions, it is about more than just giving beautiful flowers. It is everyone's opportunity to share hope for a world free of cancer."
On March 11th, Mrs. Dunlop, Mrs. Schiappa, Mrs. Schwartz, Mrs. Bermudez and members of the Helping Hands Club of Connetquot wrapped their daffodils for delivery. The wrapping paper for the flowers was donated by retired Connetquot teacher Mrs. Surber.

Congratulations to Mrs. Dunlop and all the volunteers who made this year's Daffodil Days fund raising effort so successful!