The Children’s Center raises money for St. Jude’s

Published 8:30 am Sunday, May 9, 2010

    Central’s Children’s Center participated in the St. Jude Trike-A-Thon program and raised $6,909.25 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the premier center for the research and treatment of childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

    Approximately 85 children participated in this fun, weeklong program while learning riding toy safety lessons and raising money for St. Jude. The children had a fun Activity Day with bubble blowing, face painting, sack races, space jumps and a tricycle/bicycle riding course to demonstrate the safety rules they learned. Outside of school, the children raised money by asking friends and relatives for a one-time donation. Each classroom chose a theme for the week. The rooms were decorated to match their theme. The week ended with a parade through downtown Meridian featuring the children dressed in character to represent their class theme and floats made from wagons.

    Recognition was given to the 10 children who brought in the most donations with the top five receiving prizes donated by local businesses. The Children’s Center Award for most donations was given to Bo Goodin who collected $1,140 in donations. Second Place Winner was Emery Nelson with $825; Third Place Winner was Ella Coleman with $434; Fourth Place Winner was Charlie Castle with $260; Fifth Place Winner was Ty McInnis who brought in $235. Honorable Mention certificates were presented to John Barry Boldin, Harry Durgin, Sarah Pierce Swift, Matthew Gallagher and Samuel Hosch.

    The class which brought in the most money will be treated to a party compliments of “The Park” on North Hills Street. Mrs. Kara Lank’s four-year class won the party by collecting $2,107. Upon completion of the St. Jude Trike-A-Thon, all children who participated will receive prizes ranging from Trike-A-Thon T-shirts to Bikewell Bear or Pedals the Bunny plush toys, and/or a Trike-A-Thon backpack.

    For more information about Trike-A-Thon, call 1-800-626-BIKE (2453) or visit www.stjude.org/trike.