Hall students raise nearly $1,300 for burn foundation

GAINESVILLE - A group of local high school students and members of the Lanier Charter Career Academy (LCCA) DECA chapter have been working this year to help children who are burn survivors have a fun (and free) week at summer camp.

Students from Lanier Charter Career Academy have been hosting campus "Boot Drives" where students and faculty can purchase Jeans Passes and Hat Passes for the day by giving donations to the Burn Foundation.

In addition to the local campus efforts, the LCCA DECA Chapter members planned and hosted a Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation Benefit called the Boots and Bucket Dinner. Businesses from across Hall County purchased tables at the event with many of them asking local firefighters to attend the banquet as their guests to show their appreciation for the firefighters' efforts.

The partnership with students at LCCA began in the fall when Dennis Gardin, a burn survivor, shared his story with the students about overcoming obstacles in order to truly be a success. Dennis was burned over 70% of his body in a motorcycle explosion as a child, resulting in an extensive hospitalization, dozens of surgeries and years of rehabilitation.

The money raised from the students' efforts will support children also affected by burns to attend Camp OO-U-La this summer. The camp is hosted by firefighters from across the state. The money will also help the Hall County Fire Services in their bid to raise even more funds this year in their 2013 Boot Drive.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/2/258206