Cape Schools' United Way campaign exceeds goal

Cape Public School District officials today announced that the district raised $27,272 for the 2013 United Way campaign through its efforts with faculty, staff and students.

"This is $3,727.03 above our goal of $24, 000," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jim Welker. "I am extremely proud of our students and staff for contributing to this very worthy cause. Their generosity and hard work is a tribute to Cape Girardeau Public Schools."

Theresa Haubold, United Way coordinator for Cape Girardeau Public Schools, said, "The United Way does so much for the District. This is our way of giving back." She cited the READ to Succeed program, Backpack for Fridays, LIFE Initiative, and Children's Fund as examples of UW efforts to enhance the learning opportunities at Cape Public Schools. "These are worthy projects which touch the lives of students at every grade level," Haubold said. She credited the efforts of building coordinators who worked creatively and tirelessly on the campaign: Brandelin Frazier and Amanda Drilling at Alma Schrader Elementary; Holly Hall at Blanchard; Amber Beard and Janel Pind at Clippard; Debra Rau, Christi Fryman and Mara Uhls at Franklin; Rebecca Wright at Jefferson; Paula Pletcher at CMS; Michelle Cook at Central Junior High; Josh Crowell at Central Junior High; Darin Stageberg at Alternative Education Center; David Papendick at Career and Technology Center and Dixie Crites at Cottonwood Residential Treatment Center.

"I have been so moved and impressed by the giving of our students and staff this year. This type of giving and caring shows our community just how much we do care about them," Haubold reflected. "The creativity was evident at every level! Space doesn't permit me to describe every effort, but one example is 'Awesome Audie the super-dog' (pictured) who visited Clippard Elementary. The top three fundraising classes were rewarded with a special recess with Audie. Those types of creative efforts really made a difference in our campaign, and make all of us very proud to be part of Cape Public Schools."