Fourth Grade Students of IT Montgomery School Raise Money for Le Bonheur

For fourth graders in Mound Bayou, Miss., running a business recently resulted in an act of philanthropy. Under the guidance of their teachers, Ms. Deana White and Mrs. Emma Fontaine, the fourth grade students of I T Montgomery School donated $450 to Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center.

The students participated in a class project to learn about entrepreneurship experientially. First, they divided into small groups and started their small businesses. Investments were made in their business ventures by family members. From there, students took their variety of items to market and sold them to their classmates.

However, the students decided to take the lesson one step further. Collectively they decided to give their money to charity, and together, they experienced the world of philanthropy. The students decided to donate their proceeds to help Le Bonheur with its capital campaign to build its new hospital.

In appreciation and acceptance of the donation, Liz Salton from Le Bonheur Foundation visited the fourth grade class at IT Montgomery.  Through an interactive presentation, the children learned about the hospital they so generously supported.

“We are grateful for the generous gift that Ms. White and Mrs. Fontaine’s students have given to help the children at Le Bonheur,” Liz Salton said. “Le Bonheur has been able to provide exceptional care to children from across the region since 1952 because of the kindness of people like the students at IT Montgomery.”

In June 2005, Le Bonheur announced its plans for a $327 million replacement facility which will be built on the current site of Memphis Mental Health Institute. The new expanded, family-centered facility will nearly double space for patient care, research and teaching and help propel Le Bonheur into the top ranks of U.S. children’s hospitals. So far, $62 million has been raised toward the $100 million public goal.

Posted: March 29, 2007 For more information please contact: Jennifer Parris , 901.287.6030