CBC Kicks Off Area Cancer Fundraiser


TOWN & COUNTRY, MO, January 27th, 2009
CBC High School again led the charge last Friday for Hats on Day, a local fundraiser that focuses on childhood cancer awareness. Over the last 14 years, CBC has raised around $60,000 with this fundraiser alone, and the school added an impressive $3,000 during its spirit week this year despite missing two days because of heavy snowfall.

Every year during National Catholic Schools Week, the students raise the money by paying to wear hats to school and collecting donations, usually with some crazy results to go with their crazy hats. The fundraiser benefits Friends of Kids with Cancer, a non-profit devoted to enriching the daily lives of kids in treatment for cancer through recreational, educational and emotional programs. In addition to Hats on Day, CBC also hosts the Friends of Kids with Cancer Trivia Night, which was held last Saturday, as well as a car show to support the organization.

"I believe the most generous of all our drives is the Hats on Day for Kids with Cancer event," said Jack Jamieson, Director of Student Activities at CBC. "Each year students have come through in an amazing fashion, and have come to look forward to it each year."

Hats On Day was started in 1995 by four girls at Henry School in St. Louis whose friend, Kevin Beffa, was diagnosed with cancer. The fundraiser was to support Kevin during his treatment, but he tragically passed away just days before the event. Today, the event lives on in Kevin's name and all kids battling cancer at over 150 schools in the area, as well as some local churches and businesses. Since 2002, the event has raised at least $40,000 for the charity each year.

"Hats On Day continues the legacy of the founders of the event, Jessica Stoddard, Wendy Kravitz, Risa Shapiro and Lindsey Kociela," said Judy Ciapciak, Executive Director of Friends of Kids with Cancer. "Their aim was to create awareness among their peers about the sensitive issues of children undergoing chemotherapy and its effects, such as hair loss, illness and missing school. It has been a great way for us to continue our mission through the funding of our great programs."

CBC ended the week with a pep rally celebration complete with a Junior vs. Senior basketball game and a check presentation to Friends of Kids with Cancer. The school's fieldhouse was brimming with excitement over how much the school raised throughout the week, as well as Coach Bob McCormick's attempt at his 300th win later that night, which was successful on Senior Night against Vianney High School.

While Hats On Day can be done at any time during the school year, many schools participate during "Hats On Week", which is March 2nd-6th. If you would like more information on how to get involved, call the Friends office at 314-275-7440 or visit them on the web at www.friendsofkids.com.

More about Friends of Kids with Cancer: It was started in 1992, by parents of kids in treatment for cancer and a Developmental Specialist. Friends runs programs out of the major pediatric cancer centers throughout St. Louis addressing the kids' and their families' Educational, Emotional, and Recreational needs. Programs include Toy Closets/Toy Chests, Educational and Motivational Assistance (EdMAP) and Art Therapy. For more information please contact our office at 314-275-7440 or visit us on the web at www.friendsofkids.com.

More about CBC High School: Christian Brothers College Prepatory is a Catholic, Lasallian high school preparing young men of diverse academic, social, racial, religious and economic backgrounds for college and for life. Find out more at www.cbchs.org.