Orangevale, CA -- Monday, March 31, 2008 -- “Give change to make a change.” That’s the message that has inspired kids at Ottomon elementary school to drop spare lunch money into the treasure chest that sits in the school office. And the two boys who put it there, Konnor Davis and Michael Haglund, already understand how children can make a difference in the lives of other children.

Last year, ten-year-old Konnor Davis knocked on doors and wrote letters to raise money for Round Table Family Charities. He didn’t do it for extra credit at school or a merit badge. He did it because he knows what sickness is. In 2006, his big sister Kelli was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma at age 28. Konnor was with her at doctor appointments and night after night when the chemo made her sick.

But Konnor didn’t let his sister’s cancer darken his spirit. Kelli Davis works as a marketing manager for Round Table Pizza, and Konnor’s experience motivated him to raise funds for Round Table Family Charities’ annual balloon drive. The drive benefits Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), an alliance of premier children’s hospitals.

Konnor presented a balloon he bought for $2,129 to Round Table Family Charities Founder and Round Table Pizza President Rob McCourt just as Round Table Pizza restaurants began selling balloons throughout the month of April. Konnor’s motivating story was part of the effort that netted $135,000 in balloon sales and $350,000 in total funds raised for CMN in 2007. One hundred percent of those funds went directly to CMN to aid children and families.

This year, Konnor has joined forces with Michael Haglund, a third-grade friend whose life was saved through CMN. Michael was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. After three surgeries, six months of IVs and several years of struggling, he received life-saving medication from UC Davis Children’s Hospital, an allied CMN hospital.

The two boys are bringing the cause of aiding sick children to their whole school. They setup a treasure chest where their classmates can donate change, they sent letters to school parents and friends and family, and spoke to all the school’s grade levels about their cause.

The two boys will present the raised funds to Round Table Family Charities Founder Rob McCourt at a school assembly on April 9 at 2:30 p.m. A CMN rep will also be in attendance. A photo and interview opportunity will follow. The school is located at 9460 Ottomon Way, Orangevale, CA 95662. Principle Dave Cowles can be reached at 916-986-2228.

“I want to inspire people to give to this cause,” says Konnor.

To join Konnor and Michael’s efforts, visit a Round Table Pizza restaurant during the month of April. Guests who purchase a CMN balloon for $1 at the restaurant will receive a coupon for $1, $2, or $3 off the purchase of a medium, large or extra-large pizza respectively. Each paper balloon purchased will be posted in the restaurant and 100% of the donation will go to Children's Miracle Network.
 

About Children’s Miracle Network
Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) is an alliance of premier children’s hospitals. Every year, CMN hospitals treat 17 million children for disease and injury. CMN hospitals provide state-of-the-art care, life-saving research and preventative education for children 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is a CMN hospital dedicated to serving children in every community across the Unite States and Canada.
 

About Round Table Family Charities
Round Table Family Charities is a non-profit public benefit corporation that supports efforts to aid families in crisis. The organization focuses on health, security and nourishment and works with groups that help children with medical challenges and provide secure lodging and food to struggling families.
 

To find out more about Round Table Pizza visit www.roundtablepizza.com