High-schoolers rock, raise $10K for CINJ
BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK - Walking around a football field and sitting in a rocking chair seem like simple, everyday activities, but these seemingly insignificant actions have had much larger implications in the fight against cancer.

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey received a check for $10,000 from the Care to Walk Club at the North Brunswick Township High School on June 12, which was raised at the annual Rock-a-Thon event at the school in February. The donation came just six months after a previous donation of $15,000.

"To have the students continue to raise money on behalf of the Cancer Institute is phenomenal," said Michelle Walker, the director of annual giving and community programs at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. "Not only do they take the standpoint of understanding the importance of philanthropy, but they also know firsthand that their efforts make a difference for those who are less fortunate."

The rocking chair fundraiser had 100 students awake overnight on Feb. 23, confined to their rocking chairs while playing video games, reading books or socializing with friends. Through sponsors, the students were able to raise a total of $12,000, $10,000 of which was ultimately donated to the Cancer Institute. Another $1,200 was donated to the North Brunswick Food Bank, with the remaining funds going toward items for the Rock-a-Thon, such as food.

"Each year the group that helps organize and run the event sits down and chooses a charity to donate to, and this year the thought was to join with the Care to Walk Club and raise money to fight cancer. The Rock-a-Thon has been going on for 22 years now, and it is a nice way for the students to raise money for a charity and interact with each other. They are awake for over 32 hours, since they have school the first day, and they play games, watch movies and find a variety of ways to entertain themselves for the time," said Joel Chesler, the marathon coordinator.

In December, the Care to Walk Committee donated $14,500 to the Cancer Institute raised at the eighth annual Care to Walk event two months prior. The majority of the $25,000 raised by the school is designated for ovarian cancer research and the Breast Health Education Program in order to implement a math- and science-based curriculum in high schools. The course will focus on early detection and screening, signs and symptoms, how to handle the disease, and prevention.

"We're just so appreciative of how committed this group of students is to the greater good of the community," Walker said. "They set a greater example for others and a great example for the community."

Alyson Angstreich, the president of Care to Walk this past school year and a four-year participant in the Rock-a-Thon, was especially pleased that her fellow classmates did so much to help out their cause.

"This unifies the school," she said. "I think it's really important to generate a sense of community and generate a sense of charity. It's good for people to get involved in general."

"I think for young adolescents to give back to the community [expresses] the spirit of the school and the spirit of the community," added Dottie Jennings, the club adviser and a member of the township Care to Walk Committee.

The annual Care to Walk event will be held Oct. 13 at the township high school. In addition, the students plan to visit the Cancer Institute during the winter for a tour of their facility.

For more information about fundraising efforts for the Cancer Institute, call (732) 235-8614.