ST. JULIANA FALCONIERI students worked hard collecting funds to distribute to St. Jude’s Hospital in Fullerton during the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
DR. MANUEL GONZALES JR., PRINCIPAL OF ST. JULIANA FALCONIERI CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN FULLERTON, TALKS TO THE KIDS DURING AN ASSEMBLY ABOUT THEIR SCHOOL RAISING $3,231 FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH BEFORE PRESENTING THE CHECK TO PROVIDENCE ST. JUDE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION. PHOTOS BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Pink shirts were sold to students at the school to help raise funds. These shirts can be worn on specific school days throughout the school year. A few parents who work at St. Jude Hospital helped coordinate this amazing service project.
REV. MICHAEL PONTARELLI, O.S.M. , PASTOR OF ST. JULIANA CATHOLIC CHURCH, ADDRESSES STUDENTS DURING AN ASSEMBLY WHERE THE SCHOOL DONATED A CHECK TO FOR $3,231 TO PROVIDENCE ST. JUDE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION.
The school is very grateful to the parents at St. Juliana School and the staff at the hospital for coordinating this schoolwide effort to raise funds for breast cancer awareness. During morning assembly on Nov. 18, the school presented a check to St. Jude’s Hospital in the amount of $3,281. The school’s principal, Dr. Manuel Gonzales, Jr. told students at the morning assembly that his own family has battled this type of cancer with the death of his sister.
“Breast cancer holds a deeply personal significance for me, and witnessing the incredible outpouring of love and support from our school community has been truly heartwarming,” shared Dr. Gonzales. “Your generosity and compassion reflect the strength and unity that make our school so special.”
He continued, “I am especially grateful to the parents and individuals on our campus who dedicate their time and energy to supporting those affected by breast cancer. Your efforts not only inspire hope but also make a real difference in the lives of many.”
Fr. Michael Pontarelli, pastor of St. Juliana, also told the students that “the best thing we can do, really, is to help others the same that we help ourselves. It’s because you’ve done something of service, you’ve done something in love, and for that we all say thank you!”
School parent Molly Webb shared her feelings about the assembly.
“To watch our school come together for such a special and important cause was a truly inspiring and emotional experience,” she shared. “I told my kids, when you wear your Pink Spirit Shirts, wear them with pride. You are a kind of superhero and you are doing your part to help others.”
Dr. Gonzales expressed his desire to continue the school’s support of St. Jude’s Hospital.
“As we continue our shared mission,” he shared, “I am excited to collaborate further with our wonderful school community to support St. Jude’s Hospital and its invaluable contributions to breast cancer care and research. Together, we can amplify our impact and stand united in the fight against this disease.”