Nanda Wilbourn, principal at East Elementary, participated in a unique fundraiser on Friday, February 24th, that left her literally stuck to the wall. Dubbed “Stuck for a Buck”, the activity was a part of their “Pennies for Patients” effort to help raise money for cancer research.
Embracing the motto “We will not rest until there is a cure for cancer,” Wilbourn, along with East Elementary staff and students, dressed in pajamas for the day and students were noticeably eager to see their Principal in the silly predicament. A total of around 300 strips of duct tape were purchased.
Students began lining up at 10:00 a.m. to begin taping Wilbourn to a wall in the cafeteria where she would stay until the last group of students came through the lunch line. “We’ve made $300 dollars with this to help fight cancer,” said Wilbourn, as students applied the pieces of tape with the help of teaching assistant and project leader Gloria Salazar.
After the last piece of tape was secured, Wilbourn announced the finale and the cafeteria filled with cheers when the stool was removed around 11:45 a.m., leaving a heavily taped Wilbourn suspended about 6 inches from the ground. Wilbourn was a good sport throughout the whole thing and repeatedly reminded the students of the reason she would allow herself to be put in such a “sticky” situation. Students giggled and smiled at the sight of their principal thoroughly taped and completely stuck to the wall. Several photos were taken to capture the unusual spectacle before Wilbourn was released with her feet safely back on the ground.
“Our students are so generous. Last year we raised over $2000 for cancer research through our Pennies for Patients project led by Gloria,” Wilbourn said, noting that the school participates in a variety of programs and fundraisers. “Last week we raised over $3500 in pledges with Jump Rope for Heart benefitting the American Heart Association. We are also sponsoring four children through Food for the Hungry and we send money to them monthly. I am so proud to be a part of such a giving family here at East.”