Bumblebee Club creates a holiday buzz in the community
Every other Monday at lunch in room B33, members of the Bumblebee Club can be found brainstorming ways to raise funds for pediatric cancer patients and their families, or simply ways to put smiles on their faces. The Bumblebee Club, started this year at NPHS, aims to support The Bumblebee Foundation. Established by Heather Donatini, the foundation is a nonprofit organization located in Thousand Oaks with a focus on supporting the families of pediatric cancer patients and spreading awareness of the disease.
The Bumblebee Foundation was co-founded by Donatini and her husband. After their son, Jarren, was diagnosed and lost his battle with cancer, the Donatinis established the foundation in his memory to help kids who are in a similar situation. “Seeing the families, hugging them, loving them, seeing their smiles, seeing parents [being] happy…I need to do that in memory of my son,” Donatini said.
Donatini’s goal for the foundation is to be a lifeline for pediatric cancer patients during dark and uncertain times. “Whether that looks like a cup of caffeine, gift cards to pay for gas or tires to get their child to a new treatment, then that’s what we’re here for,” Donatini said.
On Dec. 7, The Bumblebee Foundation hosted their annual Bee Merry Event. The event provided presents for the kids, holiday games and food. Bumblebee clubs from several schools, including Newbury Park, ran booths with games and crafts for the kids.
Inspired by her goal of working in the medical field, Emma Motallebi, sophomore and club president, wanted to begin the Bumblebee Club to help support pediatric cancer patients. “Pediatric cancer is absolutely devastating and it’s unfortunately very common. So to know that we’re helping out with that… It’s definitely really rewarding. So I think people should join so they can be a part of a really good cause,” Motallebi said.
As president, Motallebi ensures the promotion of the Bumblebee Foundation’s restaurant night fundraisers and volunteers with their events, including its annual Bee Merry Event. “The Bee Merry event is just a great time for the kids to take their mind off of everything they have going on, and the families too, and have a fun day to enjoy the holiday spirit,” Motallebi said.
Vice president Charli Huber, sophomore, has helped oversee the club’s preparation for the Bee Merry event, including the club’s game booth. Huber encourages any student who wants to make a difference to join the Bumblebee Club. “It’s just a great way to give back to our community and help serve our community…for those who are really struggling right now,” Huber said.
The foundation depends on volunteers who have a strong passion for helping kids with pediatric cancer. Cheryl Hirsch, the foundation’s “Auction Queen,” has been with the organization for over 13 and a half years. As a core member, she works closely with Donatini and the other members. One of Hirsch’s main goals for the foundation is to increase donations, including the “Bee Bags” that are delivered to kids in the hospital. These bags include travel essentials such as soap, deodorant and shampoos, and can be donated by anyone looking for an easy way to support the cancer community. “[People] can help the organization out without even leaving their home,” Hirsch said.
Though beginning a club provides some challenges, Rylee Aloe, sophomore and the secretary, is so glad she pursued it alongside her friends. The Bumblebee Foundation’s excitement about their mission also made the difficulties worth it. “Immediately [the foundation] were so excited about the idea and they were so open to the foundation getting bigger and more people knowing about it,” Aloe said.
Donatini encourages the community to set aside time to support the foundation. “We can’t support the families without the support of everybody else,” Donatini said. “It’s a labor of love. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to help the families, whether or not you’re entering or logging toys into a spreadsheet or going out and finding people to donate 10 dollars a month; everybody is able to make an impact on these families,” Donatini said.
*The Bumblebee Foundation can be found and contacted at @bumblebeefoundation
