Lower School Pajama Day Raises Funds for Children’s Hospital

[FULL STORY]

What could possibly be more fun than getting to wear pajamas to school and sip hot cocoa in the classroom? Knowing that in the process you are raising funds for a worthy cause. We see a great future in philanthropy for a group of 4th graders. Seven savvy and community-minded 4th grade girls devised a plan to tap into children’s enthusiasm for sleepwear and hot chocolate to raise money for children in need: Pajama Day in the Lower School!

Members of the Class of 2020, Hailey Dondis, Brie Reginelli, Catherine Cahn, Jordan Miller, Maddie Goff, Danielle Markowitz, and Margot Roussel thought of the idea for this fundraiser because one of the girls’ parents works at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. When they learned that children their age regularly receive treatment there, they wanted to know how they could help. They decided to hold a Pajama Day in the Lower School. Students and faculty who provide an optional donation of $1.00 would be allowed to wear pajamas to school on Friday, January 27. In addition to that, the students would also go room to room selling hot chocolate provided by Sucré for 50 cents per cup. The money they raise will be used to buy art supplies and toys for the Children’s Hospital playroom, but also to help defray medical costs for one very special 12-year old who is receiving treatment there.

Stephany is a resident of a small town in Peru and has spina bifida, a congenital disorder affecting the spine. Because of her spina bifida, Stephany also has severe scoliosis, or curvature of her spine. She will travel to New Orleans to undergo an operation at Children’s Hospital to correct the scoliosis and insert rods to help keep her spine straight. The money collected on Pajama Day will help pay some of her medical costs, including post-operative treatment and medications.

Lower School Pajama Day was a resounding success! Between pajama donations and Sucré cocoa sales, the group raised over $900 dollars. This money will go a long way toward helping Stephany with her operation and providing fun activities and games for the patients at Children’s Hospital. The day also helped instill a sense of community service in our youngest Greenies.