Dear DHS Staff, Students, and Families,
Next week kicks off our 3-week-long charity drive, School Chest to raise money for the beneficiary, Paws for Patrick. During these three weeks, the efforts of the student body, staff, and surrounding Deerfield community are synthesized with the mission of raising funds and awareness for the beneficiary. Numerous events and initiatives, such as a silent-auction benefit dinner, a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, a spelling bee, a singing competition, and a 5k Run for Change, and daily food sales, are held as key means of fundraising during this three-week period. All School Chest events are entirely student-run. School Chest is truly magical--it unites the entire student body and community towards a common goal.
About the Beneficiary - Paws for Patrick
Paws for Patrick is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting young people with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Therapy Dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness.
Utilizing their unique Wish Granter and Therapy Dog programs, they provide the funds and resources to bring the love of animals to the people who need it most. They also seek to raise awareness of mental illness and break the stigma that still exists.
Patricks animals, especially his beloved dog Cici, provided him with a sense of peace and love that no human could ever provide. This work can never bring Patrick back, and the pain of his loss will never go away, yet his memory and his legacy still live on in the most profound way.
Get Involved!
On Tuesday, students will engage in a virtual assembly during homeroom to learn more about Paws for Patrick and ways to get involved. See the School Chest section below for an overview of School Chest events and a link to the School Chest website.
Sincerely,
Principal Kathryn Anderson
