Drauden Point Middle School will hold a Math-A-Thon to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The school's math department is coordinating the event, scheduled for February 11, 2005.

By supporting the participants of the event, you will help raise funds for the internationally recognized hospital. These funds will help St. Jude in its ongoing fight against childhood catastrophic diseases.

"Our goal in holding the Math-A-Thon is to help the children of the world who are stricken with diseases like cancer, AIDS and sickle cell disease. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world leader in the fight against these diseases, and they have made great progress, but only because of the help of people like the citizens of our school community," said Scott Fink, the school's Assistant Principal. "We are asking that all citizens and businesses of District 202 support our students as they participate in the program. Any person or business that would like to make a donation may call the school at 815- 577-4900. We really need everyone's help."

The Math-A-Thon is sponsored by Six Flags Theme Parks, who provides free passes to their park for every student raising $35 or more through the program.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fund-raising organization.

For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.

Contact: Scott Fink, Assistant Principal School. Phone Number: 815-577-4900