Flower Mound-based non-profit charity Pennies for Paige is relaunching its piggy bank fundraiser with a kickoff party this Wednesday, June 6, at Mooyah Burgers & Fries in Flower Mound.
Originally formed to support the Boutilier family’s second fight with their daughter’s Leukemia diagnosis, Pennies for Paige has raised $40,000 for medical expenses.
The charity announced it is becoming an independent non-profit and will continue to work with children and their families by providing the emotional and financial support needed to cope with pediatric cancer.
Fundraising efforts for the Boutiliers included a community garage sale, donation collection efforts by Marcus High School Cheerleaders and neighborhoods like Bella Lago, fundraisers at Donald Elementary in Flower Mound and a gala Wine Tasting on December 2, 2011.
Pennies for Paige was started by Flower Mound residents and business owners who learned of then 6-year-old Paige Boutilier’s second fight with Leukemia. Paige was first diagnosed with Acute-T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age four. She endured more than two years of extensive chemotherapy that concluded in January 2011. Paige’s cancer returned in August 2012. Friends of the Boutiliers created Pennies for Paige to help relieve the family’s financial burdens.
“Pennies for Paige’s initial success came from the loving and giving spirit of Flower Mound residents,” said Flower Mound Councilwoman Kendra Stephenson. “It is heartbreaking for any child to suffer from cancer. Through their generous gifts to Pennies for Paige, Flower Mound residents are making it clear that they will be there to support these families.”
Pennies for Paige is continuing its fundraising efforts by becoming an independent non-profit and creating a board focused on fundraising activities, day-to-day operations and marketing. The organization was operating as part of Flower Mound-based Cloud 9 Charities.
The organization will kick off its new season of fundraising at Mooyah Burgers, 2704 Cross Timbers Road in Flower Mound, on Wednesday, June 6. The restaurant will be donating a percentage of sales to Pennies for Paige from 4 p.m. until closing at 10 p.m.
Funds raised through the Mooyah event will go to another Flower Mound child who is battling AMI Leukemia and awaiting a bone marrow transplant.
“It is heartbreaking to know there are other children like Paige that fight cancer daily,” said Jodie Boutlier. “But we have a committed group of volunteers that want to keep Pennies for Paige going and offer help, whenever possible, during such a difficult time.
“We are hoping the town will come out and enjoy Mooyah’s and support our mission of helping local families affected by childhood cancer. Mooyah’s has really gotten behind Pennies for Paige so much so they had shirts made for their employees.”
Residents interested in becoming involved in Pennies for Paige, including displaying a Piggy Bank at your business, can call 972-248-2586 or email the group at [email protected].
More information about Pennies for Paige, or to make a donation, go to www.penniesforpaige.com or their Facebook page.
 GIF.gif)
