The event invited all Mars Area Centennial School students to make a donation to the cause, as they participated in various theme days — “Hat Day” (Nov. 16), #bethekindkid Day” (Nov. 17), “Children’s Grief Awareness Day” (Nov. 18), “Raise Awareness for Juvenile Diabetes Day” (Nov. 19), and “Mars Spirit Day” (Nov. 24). On Nov. 24, all fifth- and sixth-graders could donate $1 for a piece of duct tape to affix to Adam Kostewicz, principal, to a wall in the school’s gymnasium.
The fundraiser was organized by sixth-grader Reese Polito, a Type 1 Diabetic, who worked with Kostewicz and other building staff members, to plan and coordinate each aspect of the event.
“This fun month of fundraising and awareness has been such a spark. It has helped (Reese) to become more comfortable talking about Type 1 Diabetes and educating others about it,” says Ryan Polito, Reese's father. “Most importantly, it has given her the confidence to realize that she can do, and achieve, anything regardless of her diagnosis.”
For more information, visit www.jdrf.org.