Fundraiser for WHS teacher Kate Toohey
Fri Mar 28, 2008, 02:30 PM EDT
Wakefield -


Wakefield - Wakefield High School students, faculty, staff and friends will host a fundraising dinner dance Thursday, April 3 for WHS math teacher Kate Toohey. She was diagnosed in 2007 with ALS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS neurodegenerative disease commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Toohey, who uses a microphone to amplify her voice, is still teaching her daily classes.

The Kate Toohey ALS benefit will be held in the WHS cafeteria beginning with a buffet dinner, 5:30-7:30 p.m., followed by music, dancing, games, raffles and a silent auction from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the benefit will help defray some of the costs associated with Toohey’s future care, including purchasing an electric wheelchair, wheelchair accessible transportation, computer software to help her communicate, and making renovations to her home.

Tickets for the benefit are $15 for adults and students, and can be purchased at the high school’s Main Office, 60 Farm Street, Wakefield, by calling Susan O’Connor at 781-246-6440 or via e-mail at oconnors@wakefieldk12.ma.us.

Donations to the Kate Toohey ALS Benefit Fund can be dropped off at any office of The Savings Bank, including the 1st Educational Savings Branch of The Savings Bank at Wakefield High School, 60 Farm Street, Wakefield, MA 01880. Checks should be made out to the Kate Toohey ALS Benefit Fund.

Donations can also be sent to the Kate Toohey ALS Benefit Fund, c/o The Savings Bank, 357 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880.