Virginia Parks Elementary School will present a check today for more than $6,800 to the Greater Sacramento area chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society after students raised donations.

“I’m beyond happy to be working at a school where students are so giving, understanding and sympathetic to others,” said fourth grade teacher Koather Alfareh, who helped run the fundraiser with fellow fourth grade teacher and student council co-coordinator Sharon Crain. 

Virginia Parks students worked hard during the three-week competition to earn a top 10 ranking.

“Our school goal was $3,500,” she said. “We definitely exceeded that. I’m not surprised the kids rose to the occasion. Every year, they raise more and more. Truly every cent counts. It does add up.”

Mrs. Adamakis’ third-grade class raised the highest amount of money – more than $700.

Virginia Parks also collected money online for the first time.

“We expanded our reach for donations,” Alfareh said. “We had one student who raised $400.”

Virginia Parks donated $20,435.78 during its first eight years participating in the Pennies for Patients fundraiser program.

Donations benefit cancer patients through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's elementary program. 

“We’ve been in a partnership with them for the past nine years,” Alfareh said. “We’ll continue to raise money to support the cause. It’s important for Virginia Parks to help others.”