CEDAR BLUFF — On Oct. 22, students in grades six through twelve at Cedar Bluff School participated in the first annual Tiger Rally Against Childhood Cancer. Approximately 70 students wrote and sent 25 letters apiece, asking community members to contribute a small donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Each letter recipient simply has to fill out the personal information section of the letter and then place the letter and their donation in the included, stamped business reply envelope and drop it in the mail.

“I believe the event was a great success,” said committee president Maci Hughes. “We had awesome participant turnout, so I am confident we are well on our way to achieving our fundraising goal of $5,000.”

Students gathered during school to fill out, address, and mail their letters. Every participant received a free T-shirt and was entered in a drawing to win a Nintendo Wii.

The Cedar Bluff Math and Science Club officers were in charge of the event, along with Math and Science Club co-sponsors Jan Miller and Paige Bishop. St. Jude representative Megan Emmert was also present.

“This was a simple fundraiser for a great cause,” said committee vice-president Casey Murdock. “Overall, it went extremely well, and I am excited to see the end results.”

Breauna Holloman, a senior who participated in the event, had many positive things to say about the fundraising event.

“I had a lot of fun,” she said. “Although it was a great deal of writing and my hand ached when it was over, I felt warmth inside me because I knew that by writing those letters I had helped save innocent children's lives.”

In addition to Thursday's letter-writing party, students who were unable to attend the first party stayed after school the following Monday to complete their 25 letters.

The Cedar Bluff School Coin War ended with nearly $300 raised for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Homeroom winners were Mrs. Terry Hopper (sixth grade) and Mr. Brian Ducar (eighth grade). Winners will be rewarded with a pizza and movie party.

Although many students' names went into the drawing to win a free Nintendo Wii, no one claimed their prize on Friday. As a result, the Math and Science Club is selling $1 chances to win the Wii, with all proceeds going toward St. Jude.

Also, a few remaining Tiger Rally Against Childhood Cancer T-shirts are on sale for $10.

Anyone wishing to make a donation or purchase a raffle ticket or T-shirt, may contact Maci Hughes via email at mhughes2010@hotmail.com.