Oaksides' "Pennies for Parkinson's" Project Culminates with Walk

Oakside Elementary School recently held a walk to support Parkinson's research and raise awareness about the disease. By collecting “Pennies for Parkinson’s” students, staff and administration raised $357 which was donated to the Fox Foundation.

The school assembled as "Team Clare" and donned tee shirts in honor of Principal Mary Foster's sister Clare Keenan Carey, who has Parkinson's. Keenan Cary was present at the event alongside her sister and father.

“I’m so touched almost to the point where I’m getting emotional,” Keenan Carey said. “To be brining attention to a disease like this is important to do and the children have done a wonderful job in their efforts. This says a lot about the kids at Oakside.”

The day’s event was organized by Oakside teacher Denise Chavarria along with the help of students from Oakside’s school newspaper, Jupiter, which Chavarria is also the advisor for.

“There were some third graders on the Oakside Jupiter that were interested in fund-raising for Parkinson's because one of their dads had run a marathon and donated to that cause,” Foster explained.  “When Denise approached me about it, I shared that my sister Clare was diagnosed in her early 40's and would be willing to be interviewed by our students.”

You can read students’ story about Clare and their walk in the Oakside Jupiter by clicking here.

The school-wide event consisted of each class walking around the city block where the school is located. Accompanied by their teachers, some students carried handmade signs, while others held banners sent to the school from the Fox Foundation. As they marched up and down the sidewalks behind Oakside, students smiled and flashed a thumbs-up to those passing by.

“The walk was a success,” Chavarria said.  “The students were excited about making a difference.  They love that Clare and Mr. Foster were able to come out and share their thoughts and compassion.  It was a great feeling for the kids.  They know they’ve really made a difference.”

For more photos from this event, click here.