The members of the Riverhead High School Council for Unity work together to take a stand against violence and for respect, tolerance and unity in their lives and in the high school. They also work together to act as a caring community by participating in projects like cleaning up habitats, collecting food, or painting over graffitti. Last year, moved by the plight of thousands of children who were affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, members of the Council participated in the “Cranes for Kids” program by making and delivering origami cranes to the OshKosh Store at Tanger Outlet. For every origami crane made and sent, OshKosh donated an article of clothing to the children in Japan.

This year, after hearing about the plight of a nine-year-old Christopher Timpone, a student at the Aquebogue Elementary School, who was afflicted with Ewing’s sarcoma–a form of bone cancer, two Council for Unity members, Darrell Ross and Reggie Moore, pitched to the members in their class the idea of helping this little boy.

“We were really touched by the story and wanted to do something to help,” Darrell said.

The Council members eagerly embraced the idea and with the help of their instructor, Garret Moore, put together a fund-raiser they dubbed “Bowling for Christopher”. Council members sold tickets for $20 that included three hours of bowling and bowling shoes.

“The turnout last Sunday (January 21st) was phenomenal and, thanks to the generosity of the owners of Wildwood Bowl, John and Chris Corallo — who donated use of the lanes — the event was a big success,” said Mr. Moore.

On Tuesday, January 24th, Christopher and his mom, Kathleen Timpone, who is a special education aide at the Aquebogue Elementary School, came to the Council for Unity class to receive a check for $1,800. She was very thankful for their help.

“The expenses keep piling up,” she noted. “But recently we got some very good news that we’d like to share with you. Christopher was just given a clean bill of health. He is now cancer-free.”