Suncoast Elementary club raises about $1,795 for Partners in Health's Haiti mission

SPRING HILL — When Suncoast Elementary School K-Kids heard about the Haitian catastrophe, they wanted to help.

The Suncoast K-Kids, co-sponsored by assistant principal Lisa Braithwaite and guidance counselor Teresa Jones, suggested the group sponsor a day of allowing students to come to school out of uniform (or staff to dress casually). They approached principal Jean Ferris and she agreed.

"We hosted a 'Ditch the Duds Day,' " Braithwaite said. The effort raised $1,794.65.

The K-Kids, a Kiwanis-sponsored elementary school-level service club, advertised the fundraiser on the school's "Morning Show" and collected the donations given for the privilege of a casual dress day.

They counted the money and presented it to Partners in Health, Stand With Haiti representatives Dr. Amy Wilson and Susan Wilson.

The students were presented with a Partners in Health banner, which the school can keep and display for a month. The K-Kids were given "I Donated" buttons, which they accepted on behalf of the school.

"They did a great job," Braithwaite said. "It's all about helping others."

The Suncoast Elementary School K-Kids is sponsored by the Spring Hill Kiwanis. The representative who works with the school is Donna Gaula.