Elm Grove Elementary School Raises Almost $1,000 for American Cancer Society

WHEELING -- Elm Grove Elementary School Principal Richard Dunlevy was a little tied up Tuesday morning with matters pertaining to a recent fundraiser, breast cancer awareness and 1,000 yards of pink yarn.

Dunlevy permitted school counselors Heather Hines and Heather Lewis to wrap him with the pink yarn to fulfill a promise he made to the students earlier this month.

On Oct. 17, the students were challenged to raise money for breast cancer awareness month. And for every dollar raised, Dunlevy pledged to be tied up with one yard of pink yarn.There are 334 students in the school, and the amount initially raised was $931.

Additional money brought the total to $950.

The money was donated to the American Cancer Society.

On Tuesday, Dunlevy made good on his promise.

Hines and Lewis said it took "a little longer than expected" as they wrapped in the yarn.

As they were about finished, Dunlevy took the remaining yarn and fashioned it as a cap. It looked as if he had been shot with Silly String, or was a pink mummy just out for a pre-Halloween stroll.

Then it was off to visit each classroom one by one and give the students a needed chuckle.

"I've been asked every day by the kids, when are you going to do this," Dunlevy said. "Kids don't forget."

It has become tradition at Elm Grove Elementary to do the breast cancer fundraiser, and for some type of ribbon to be used to mark student efforts.

"We have done this for several years, and the kids always come through," Dunlevy said.