In September, Matthew Kendig, a third grade student at Sunview Elementary School, joined his mother Debbie to participate in Light The Night, an annual fundraiser to raise awareness and money for the Northern Ohio Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Debbie, a social worker for the organization, was a veteran walker, but this walk was special for Matthew. It was his first time fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and he raised more than $150 for the cause.

Inspired by the experience, he asked his mother how he could continue helping people battling the disease.

The two worked with Sunview Principal Arika Taylor, and school counselor, Dr. Rebecca Boyle to bring the fundraiser “Pennies for Patients,” to Sunview Elementary, which ran Nov. 7 - 17.

The 10-day fundraiser kicked off with an assembly where third graders volunteered to perform “Captain Chemo Saves the Day,” a play to educate fellow schoolmates about Leukemia and Lymphoma.

In the days that followed, students brought coins to school and added them to their classes' coin box. By the end of the fundraiser, Sunview Elementary School students collectively raised $2,628.15.

As an incentive to donate, Sunview staff designated certain days as “spirit days,” where students could wear a sports jersey or mismatched clothes to school if they donated $.50 to their classes' coin box. Additionally, the class that raised the most money will receive a pizza party, donated by Domino’s Pizza. Miss. Treer’s and Mrs. Helmet’s class raised $264.08, winning the party.

Congratulations to all Sunview Elementary students on your selflessness and good work. We’re so proud of you!