GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Sycamore Middle School wrapped its fundraiser Spare Change for Sparrow after nearly a month of ‘fun-raising’ activities.

Beginning on March 6th and ending March 24th, students and staff participated in multiple events, each designed to raise donations for the North Valley Sparrow Foundation which supports cancer patients and their families during their battles with the disease.

Teacher Michele Solis says that the whole school was involved, including the office. Spare Change for Sparrow replaces the school’s previous fundraiser, Pennies for Patients, which Solis says no longer exists after the COVID pandemic shut it down.

The variety of events spanned from large to small. Students held “Chuck your Change” standing on the curb outside the school office for a few hours in the morning collecting donations from local traffic and passersby. March 14^th was Pie Day, in honor of the symbol and mathematical equation 3.14. Students purchased pies from teacher Mr. (Jamie) Spring. Fridays were $1 Friday, where teachers held various simple activities for their students to contribute to the cause.

Larger events included a giant water balloon fight between faculty and students, with over 400 water balloons used. Participants bought into the splashing good time. Kiss the Pig was a large draw for funds. Staff members were nominated and the one that earned the most donations had the honor of kissing a pig. This year’s lucky winner was Ms. Tracy Dukes.

One of the more well-known events during the month was the annual color run, where students donned white t-shirts with a sparrow logo cleverly incorporating a cancer ribbon and ran around the perimeter of the school being blasted with colorful clouds of chalk. The results were rainbow-caked faces with smiles ear to ear – all for a good cause.

The month culminated with the release of Butterflies. McKinley School students joined their older Sycamore fellows to circle around Mrs. Solis as she read a solemn poem regarding the meaning of releasing a butterfly – symbolizing a wish sent to the heavens. On Thursday, March 30^th, a multitude of butterflies were released, honoring those fighting the disease or that has lost their battles.

Solis says that over $17,000 dollars were raised for the NVSF. Board member Cheryl Argetsinger said that the funds would go a long way to support cancer patients during their battles, purchasing gas cards, paying for hotel stays and even bills. Argetsinger expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Sparrow Foundation for the student’s hard work and willingness to support their cause.