Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland, participates in Pennies for Patients because many of our students and teachers have been personally affected by cancer. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was there to support many of them during difficult times so we want to be there to support LLS. We fully believe in contributing to philanthropic activities and appreciate everything that LLS does. 

The extremely positive aspect of supporting LLS is that everyone benefits: researchers, cancer patients, students and teachers. At Whitman, the entire school benefits from an increased awareness of what can be done to fight cancer. Additionally, raising money for LLS provides everyone with the opportunity to serve the community while having fun. 

During LLS month, Whitman organizes a series of fundraising events that appeal to the entire school community. Three of our most popular events are bRAVE, Red Rush 5K and Whitman Idol. bRAVE is a seven hour dance-a-thon that features student DJs and performances by our dance team and drum line. Red Rush 5K is a race that enables us to involve neighbors and other people outside Whitman's immediate community. Whitman Idol is our school's spin on “American Idol” with student performances and teacher judges. 

Organizing so many successful events takes a lot of coordination and planning. It's far from an easy task, but the result is worth it. The reward of raising so much money that can help so many people is the reason we continue to put in so much hard work year after year for LLS.