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By DEBORAH COX
Bridgeport Bridgeport Department of Physical Education and Athletics held its fifth annual fundraising event in conjunction with St. Vincents SWIM Across the Sound. Students involved in the swimming program at Blackham, Bryant, Hall, Edison, High Horizons Magnet, Multicultural Magnet, and Park City Magnet Schools collected money from family, friends and neighbors to sponsor them for a simulated SWIM Across the Sound. Most students also donated money from their own savings.
Students of all swimming abilities participated, and non-swimmers had an opportunity to walk in the pool. The children worked collectively to cover a distance equal to swimming across the Long Island Sound from Bridgeport to Port Jefferson, Long Island. The total distance is 15.5 miles. The event was held regularly during scheduled swim classes.
This year, the students raised approximately $5,000. All money will go toward helping Bridgeport students who are battling cancer.
St. Vincents Foundation executive director stated, I was so moved by the energy of the children and the amount they raised. I know so many of them come from very modest means, and yet they were eager to participate and give generously. It was quite inspiring. These children, and those who supported them, gave from the heart. It was a privilege to be among them.
About St. Vincents SWIM Across the Sound: St. Vincents SWIM Across the Sound is a charitable not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization run by the St. Vincents Medical Center Foundation of Bridgeport, CT. Since 1987, the SWIM has had a unique niche helping individuals and families struggling through the difficult changes that cancer brings with it. The SWIM serves approximately 30,000 people annually by providing over 46 programs, including cancer education, screening, prevention and support programs at low- or no-cost for the uninsured and underinsured. In addition, the SWIM helps individual cancer patients on a case-by-case basis with specific financial assistance to help with expenses such as utility bills, mortgage or rent, funding of wigs and prostheses, medication assistance, free transportation to treatments and appointments, day-care scholarships, support groups and more. For more information, contact the St. Vincents Medical Center Foundation at (203) 576-5451 or visit www.SwimAcrossTheSound.org.
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