Pies In The Face Help Earthquake Survivors

BRASHER FALLS - Pies in the face translated to $250 for the American Red Cross' Haiti relief efforts.

The St. Lawrence Central High School Student Council held a pie in the face fundraiser during a recent pep rally, earmarking some of that money for the earthquake relief efforts.

"It's our fundraiser. It's the only thing we do," Student Council Advisor Stephanie Allen said.

They raised $900 altogether during the fundraiser, with $500 going toward a scholarship. They also provided a donation for the school yearbook and provided the American Red Cross with a $250 donation as part of their "community connection."

"Part of our job is a community connection," Ms. Allen said.

"We usually try to give our money to a just cause. This year it was Haiti," Student Council President Andrew Gray said. "We feel like we raised money for a great cause."

Among the projects they've raised money for in the past is the painting of the school's hallways following a capital improvement project.

American Red Cross of Northern New York Branch Manager Olga E. Grant said she was once again appreciative of the students' efforts in raising money. She had recently received a check from the school's National Honor Society following a pajama day fundraiser.

"It's just a wonderful opportunity for the kids. It's amazing how creative they are," she said.

Mr. Gray said it took a "lot of hard work and countless hours" to set up the fundraiser, but it was worth it as students and teachers got into the spirit of the event.

Ms. Allen said each person raised money and whoever garnered the most got to put a pie in the face of their competitor, she said.

The fundraiser included hockey players against basketball players, students versus students and staff versus staff. Two counselors also went head-to-head against each other to see who could raise the most money and avoid the whipped cream pie in the face.

"You wouldn't believe the bribing," Ms. Allen said. "(Students in grades) 7 through 12 were right there just cheering them on."

With the donation to the American Red Cross, she said that took care of their money this year.

"That pretty much takes care of all of our money," Ms. Allen said.

While the donations to Haiti continue to be important to help with the rebuilding of that country, Mrs. Grant said the American Red Cross is also organizing efforts for Chile, which was also hit by an earthquake.

"The International Red Cross asked for assistance. We're now accepting donations for Chile," she said.

Donations can be made through the local American Red Cross office in Potsdam or on-line at ww.redcross.org.

In addition, Mrs. Grant said, donors can text the word "Chile" to 90999 and a $10 withdrawal will be made from their account to assist the International Red Cross relief efforts in that country.