Merrimac Holds 7th Annual Talent Show Fundraiser

On June 7 Merrimac Elementary School held its 7th Talent Show Fundraiser at Sequoya Middle School.  Our talented 3rd, 4th and 5th graders performed for a sold out crowd.  Students danced, sang and played musical instruments, performed karate routines and comedy acts.

Each year we choose a charity for which to raise funds. This year we chose the Child Life Program at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, in honor of Chloe-Skye Reinhold, a fifth grader who has benefited from this program and now volunteers there with her family.

The Child Life Program at Stony Brook helps reduce the stress that pediatric patients and their families may experience when faced with illness, medical procedures and unfamiliar surroundings. The Child Life Program offers an opportunity for children to engage in everyday childhood activities to help minimize anxiety.

Generosity was truly displayed as we raised a total of $ 3,773.50!  Merrimac is a great example of a caring and supportive community of students, teachers and parents.

Our Talent Show really demonstrated Kids Helping Kids. Our fifth grade helpers helped with every aspect of the show. They were the announcers, stage crew and even worked the lights. They helped sell raffles, snacks at the concessions and passed out programs. They made posters and a student even designed the program cover.

The parents helped enormously as well. They went around to community business and restaurants to gather donations of gift certificates, prizes, snacks and water to sell at the show.  Merrimac parents also helped during the night of the show. It was so nice to see how everyone came together to help.

Over the last seven years this show has become a tradition here at Merrimac. It’s not only a night of fun and entertainment but a lesson in compassion, generosity and charity. Our students enjoy not only the excitement of the event but take pride in helping their fellow classmates
and their families. Merrimac has raised money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation, Autism Speaks, Juvenile Diabetes, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, Muscular Dystrophy, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and now the Child Life Program.

We are proud to help so many great causes and teach students about caring for others and being part of a great event that they will never forget. 

Editor's Note: Article submitted by a Merrimac Elementary School teacher.