Whiteman Elementary Wages War for the March of Dimes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Mrs. LuAnna Ortiz's 5th grade class at Whiteman Elementary enjoyed a Pizza party Tuesday afternoon, after winning the March of Dimes fundraiser contest called, Dime War by raising more than $170. The Dime War was waged by 19 different classes ranging from kindergarten to 6th grade.  As a whole, the school raised nearly $1,000.

Senior Airman Richard Mahaney and his wife Jerri, who have been involved with the March of Dimes for over three years, waged the war to raise funds and awareness for premature children, in honor of their son Trey, who passed away this January. 

Trey was born premature, weighing 1lb, 13oz., and spent the first six months of his life in hospitals. 

"We promised our son that we'd keep doing this, to make a difference," said Airman Mahaney. 

Airman Mahney's wife shared in his sentiment.

"If we can make another family not have to go through what we did, it will be worth it," said Mrs. Mahaney. "There is nothing more painful than losing a child." 

Trey' s big sister Lauren is in the victorious 5th grade class, and has written a letter of thanks to her school for battling for the March of Dimes and for her little Brother, Trey. 

"I think having Lauren in our class really motivated them to bring more in, because she was able to share her story with the class," said Mrs. Ortiz.