Washington High School – Paws for a Cause
November 14, 2015
Washington High School’s (WHS) seventh annual walk-a-thon, “Paws for a Cause,” kicked off on Saturday, November 14, 2015 in Fremont. Over 300 students, with family and friends (and even dogs) walked in honor of those who have been affected by cancer. Participants received community service hours and raised over $8,400 for Drivers For Survivors (DFS). DFS provides free medical care-related transportation and volunteer companionship for cancer patients.
Lauren Floro created Paws for Cause seven years ago when a student and Associate Student Body (ASB) secretary at WHS. She is now a teacher there and worked with Student Activities Coordinator Helen Paris, coordinator of WHS’ Leadership Club, to continue this event. Ria Nigam, current ASB secretary, delegated and organized the event with help of her peers from Leadership. The event was also made possible by support from WHS Principal Bob Moran and Faith Marcelo, Chase Massone and Esther Gnanadoss, who enlisted sponsors including Traders Joe’s, Chipotle, AMC, Blaze Pizza, Panda Express, Starbucks and many more.
Purple and white balloons, colorful banners, and booths transformed WHS into an official fundraising walk-a-thon for DFS. DFS Founder Sherry Higgs, a survivor of Inflammatory Breast Cancer, alongside Principal Moran, cut a ribbon and led the walk. The track was marked by balloons and signs with messages such as “Believe There is a Hope for a Cure”; and the sound of empowering music. After the walk, participants blew bubbles in unison to honor those supported by DFS’ cause.
(This article was originally submitted by Neha Sara, Lynda Garcia, Kaya Zavagno and Sonal Bande
and published in Tri-City Voice on December 22, 2015)
