Sunrise to Host Amherst Hop-a-thon to Benefit Two Teachers with Cancer

Kids ages six weeks to 12 years old earn donations per hop; contributions welcome

As a way to bolster the spirit of two of their teachers battling cancer and support the American Cancer Society, the staff and students at Sunrise Children’s Center in Amherst are hosting an Amherst hop-a-thon on April 10. Students are collecting pledges “per hop” and the Center is also accepting outside donations as well to add to the financial gift.

“We want to show Miss Ann and Miss Jan that we love them and are here for them,” said Nancy Gagnon, the Center’s director. “The kids adore their teachers, and we want to show them that our whole school, from the babies to the fourth graders, are here for them in the same way that they support and help us here at Sunrise.”

The cheer and goodwill will be easy to spot. Students will don homemade bunny ears and bright tie-dyed shirts (or onesies, depending on the age group), and be fueled by carrots, celery, and other bunny-friendly food.

“It should be quite cute, if we can get rid of the snow,” Gagnon said. The event is rain or shine, and will be held in the courtyard at Sunrise Children’s Center.

Miss Ann and Miss Jan, both longtime teachers at the Center who were diagnosed within the last year, coordinated their chemotherapy treatments around the event, and plan to attend and cheer on the herd of hopping “bunnies” as the kids try to hop as many times as they can.

“We are behind them 100 percent, and this event is a great way to remind them of that, and celebrate these two amazing women who never hesitate to go the extra mile to help staff or students,” Gagnon said. “They love their jobs and they love the kids; what better way to support them than enjoy a beautiful spring day together, with activity, laughter, and support of two shining stars in our community.”

Parents and family members of students at Sunrise are welcome to attend, and donations to the American Cancer Society are graciously accepted. To contribute, drop off or mail donations to Sunrise Children’s Center, 94 NH-101A, P. O. Box 370, Amherst, NH 03031. For more information, call (603) 886-0110.

About Sunrise Children’s Center

Sunrise Children’s Center (Sunrise) is an early childhood educational center, providing full-day, half-day programs for children ages 6 weeks to age 6. Sunrise also offers an after-school program for children Kindergarten through grade 4, as well as care during school vacations, snow days, delayed openings, and early releases. Summer programs are available for all children. Enrichment activities such as Zumba and Drums Alive are available to enhance the children’s weekly experiences. Sunrise is a program within Regional Services Education Center (RSEC), a not-for-profit organization that runs programs for students with learning disabilities, including The Academy High School, The Academy Middle School, and The Longview School.