Students at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy hold checks representing more than $8,000 raised for the benefit of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and King Street Cats. In back are Donna Eisenman of King Street Cats, Stella Hanly of AWLA and Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy principal Patricia Zizzios.
The funds were raised as part of the school’s annual Animal Benefit talent night along with other fundraising endeavors.
“Some of our students had lemonade stands, some students went to the farmers markets, some just went door to door to local businesses to randomly ask for donations,” said Lyles-Crouch principal Patricia Zizzios. “They volunteered their time to put on the talent show itself, where students had to perform in front of 400 strangers. It took a lot of time and energy but it was a great success.”
Lyles-Crouch began its partnership with AWLA in 2006 but the arrival of a new music teacher at the school in 2012 added the talent show and brought in King Street Cats as a partner beneficiary. This year each organization received a check for $4,200.
“AWLA is thrilled and delighted to be a beneficiary of this benefit concert that Lyles-Crouch did,” said AWLA executive director Stella Hanly. “This is a substantial amount of money and will go directly to our fund for veterinary bills.”
Added Donna Eisenman of King Street Cats, “We are so honored to be the recipient of Lyles-Crouch school and the effort these children do for this talent show. The enthusiasm, their love of pets is so heartwarming. This provides us with funds to continue our mission, which is to have a safe haven for rescue cats until they find their home. King Street Cats is all-volunteer and the only no kill rescue in Alexandria for cats. This will go a long way to help feed and provide vet care and we cannot thank the school and Dr. Z. for all these years of her continuing support.”