June 9, 2015 By Michael Florio
Students from P.S. 150 walked one mile around the streets of Sunnyside Monday to raise money and increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.
More than 1,000 students participated in the walk that was organized by sixth grade teacher Rosella Giorgi. Her class did a school project on how to give back to the community and the students focused on those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Giorgi also turned the walk into a fundraiser and the students raised more than $2,000 through donations from family, friends and the community.
Giorgi said the money is still coming in but they have already counted over $2,000.
Before the walk began, the students tied purple ribbons to the school fence in front of the school next to a number of handmade signs from students who knew someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
This cause was especially personal to Giorgi, who lost her mother to Alzheimer’s. Sunnyside Community Services’ helped set up Giorgi’s family with a caretaker for her mom and offered support groups for her family members.
Students from the 6th grade class attended Sunnyside Community Services’ Social Adult Day Program before the walk. They were able to interact with people who suffer from the disease.
Giorgi said it was very touching to see the students support this cause and work with the patients suffering from this disease.
“It was really heartwarming to see,” she said. “This is a disease that touches the entire community.”
“I was really shocked by the outpouring generosity from the community to support this great cause,” Giorgi added. “I expected to raise like $300 so I just want to thank the community and all the parents.”
Giorgi said a lot of the staff members at P.S. 150 have family members with Alzheimer’s disease.
“A lot of them told me today how touched they were by the project,” she said.
Proceeds from the walk will be going toward the Sunnyside Community Services’ Social Adult Day Program.
“We were really delighted that students at such a young age were raising money and awareness for such an important cause,” said Monica Guzman, Director of Development at Sunnyside Community Services.
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7 Comments
I think I see my friend in the photo with all the students.
Did I just post? Can’t remember…
I like having Alzheimer’s. I’m always meeting new people and I never have to watch reruns on TV.
Although I don’t go to this school anymore, I’m touched that P.S.150 is still doing these great walks and i hope our donations helped power through the families.
This is great to see. The corporate-run charter schools would never do something like this.
I think I was there, but I can’t remember
I was going to go, but I forgot.