This moment captures a united effort of youth, educators, and community leaders as they join forces to support Children’s Hospital LA. (Pictured, left to right: Brightwood teacher Tina Young, AMP Rotary President Ayla Jeffries, Joseph “Peppy” Sciarra, Brightwood eighth grader Kaitlyn Hui (holding some of the crocheted flowers), and Brightwood principal Candace Griego.)
Brightwood School’s culture of compassion was on full display this year as they, once again, showed support for the local Rotary Club and its efforts to raise funds for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). What began before the pandemic as a heartfelt classroom project has blossomed into an inspiring annual tradition, celebrating generosity, creativity, and community spirit.
Seventh-grade teacher Tina Young resumed her Thousand Cranes art project based on the story of “Sadako and the Thousand Cranes.” Each year, these colorful works of art, crafted from origami paper cranes, are presented to CHLA to adorn the hospital’s hallways and bring beauty, hope, and healing energy to patients and visitors.
This year, two art pieces were presented to the Alhambra and Monterey Park (AMP) Rotary Club on May 14 at The Alhambra during their regular weekly meeting. They will be given to CHLA along with monetary donations that mark the continuation of Joseph “Peppy” Sciarra’s annual fundraiser in support of CHLA. At 100 years old, Peppy (the beloved WWII veteran, active Rotarian, and longtime CHLA champion), remains as committed as ever, having now raised an astounding $141,200 over the years in gratitude for the hospital’s life-saving care for his son decades ago.
Adding youthful spirit and heart to the day’s events was Brightwood eighth grader Kaitlyn Hui, who returned this year with another touching gesture. Hui raised $2,100 last year by selling handmade crocheted flowers, which she personally crafted and sold to support the cause. She continued her charity project this year and again covered all material costs herself so that every dollar could go directly to the hospital. She added small crocheted stuffed animals this year, and netted an additional donation of $1,200.
The total of Peppy’s fundraising efforts included Kaitlyn’s latest donation, along with a generous $5,000 donation from the AMP Rotary Club. AMP Rotary’s annual donation underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to CHLA’s mission and its admiration for Peppy and all he has brought to the community.
Principal Candace Griego attended the event to show her support, praising the collaboration between students, educators, and community leaders. “What Tina Young and Kaitlyn Hui have accomplished is amazing,” Griego said. “Their creativity and compassion are making a real difference and inspiring others to do the same.”
As Kaitlyn moves on to high school, teacher Tina Young reflected on Kaitlyn’s positive contributions and encouraged her to continue to find ways to give back. “I’m so proud of Kaitlyn! Her crocheting started as a simple hobby and is now a way for her to make a positive impact on the community. I hope she will find peers in high school who have similar interests and can continue to use her crochet skills to support causes and organizations she is passionate about.”
