The Phillie Phanatic surprised 10 classes of second graders at Millbridge Elementary on May 1 during a fundraiser to benefit the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
There was a whirlwind of activity at the township’s Millbridge Elementary School courtyard on a sunny May 1, beginning in the morning, when students in the 10 second grade classes started taking shifts during a fundraiser for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation that was supported by the Delran Education Association.
At 1:30 p.m., nearly all of the 700-plus pre-K to 2 students at the Delran School gathered in the playground for an assembly. A disc jockey played loud music, teachers were dancing and excitement was building.
From a distance, Principal Brian Stolarick gave a hand signal to the DJ indicating that someone wanted to join the students. Suddenly, the Phillie Phanatic ran down the path from the school building with the principal and quickly caught the eyes of the children.
The students started screaming and yelling with delight when they realized it was the Phillies’ mascot who came to visit. Full of energy, he got everyone singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and dancing to “Who Let the Dogs Out?”
And the students – as well as some staff members – kept on screaming.
The outside assembly capped a special day where students learned about the mission of the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, namely “to change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.”
“All the second graders participated,” said teacher Rachel Affrunti, who organized the fundraiser. “We distributed more than 1,000 cups of lemonade. The students learned some really valuable lessons.”
The students – all second graders – offered their thoughts on the event.
“I am happy to do this; I want kids to be healthy,” said Pelin Ceylan, who was pouring cups of lemonade from the pitcher.
“I’m excited,” said Reese Chiolan. “I only did a lemonade stand once with my family. I want to help children.”
“I want to help people, and I like the lemonade,” Sawyer Miller proclaimed.
“I’m excited because I want to raise money for the fight against cancer,” offered Gianna Capparelli.
“I like serving the customers,” Joshua Batista announced.
“It’s important to raise money for the doctors who are fighting cancer,” Madelyn Larson maintained.
“I liked it because I did lots of stuff, like giving people lemonade and seeing my friends from judo,” said Thomas Santos.
“We received a lot of donations,” said Affrunti, who was very busy all day setting up the work shifts at the stand and making sure everything was in order. “I have the privilege of teaching the most wonderful and caring group of students, and with the generous support of the Delran Education Association, we were able to host this school-wide fundraiser.”
The visit by the Phanatic was like icing on the cake for the dedicated second graders at Millbridge, who experienced a school day they will always remember. To top it off, the pep rally for the Philadelphia Phillies may have sent positive energy to the team as it defeated the Los Angeles Angels, 2-1, on the day of the school event.
The afternoon baseball game started in Anaheim, California, fewer than two hours after the students cheered on their favorite mascot and their favorite team.
