A fundraiser to benefit Charlie Gottlob, son of Lincoln Elementary School Principal Andy Gottlob, was unique Monday, in that it was conceived and organized by the students themselves.
This event was not my idea, music instructor Karen Jesseph told the large crowd packed into the Lincoln Elementary School gymnasium. It came from your children.
The fundraiser included performances from the Reba Davis Drumming Circle the student percussion group directed by Jesseph as well as a bake sale.
The goal, Jesseph explained, is to raise $5,000 to allow the Gottlobs to purchase a seizure-response dog.
Charlie suffers from intractable epilepsy, meaning his condition cannot be controlled solely with medication. The 8-year-old travels weekly to Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., for vagus nerve stimulator treatment.
Despite the treatments, Charlie experiences between three and six seizures a day. A series of seizures in the morning prevented the youngster from attending Mondays benefit, Jesseph explained.
It was after seeing a flyer in Jessephs classroom for a pancake benefit scheduled April 14 Girard Gottlobs hometown that the Lincoln students had a single question: What can we do?
Lets think about it, Jesseph responded.
By the end of the class, the students had decided to host a fund-raiser of their own.
Isnt that something? Jesseph gushed. I am so proud of them.
In addition to the drum circle performance, volunteers prepared a wide assortment of mouthwatering baked goods for sale. Additionally, charm bracelets Charms For Charlie were sold for $1 apiece.
Unofficially, organizers raised about $2,600.
To donate, contact Lincoln School Secretary Brenda Leonard at 365-4820.
THE SEIZURE response dog is trained to sense when a seizure is imminent and alert Charlie and his parents. The animal also offers comfort and allows for greater independence, Jesseph said.
The April 14 pancake breakfast in Girard will be at R.V. Haderlein Elementary School from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
