Piedmont schools' 'DUCK Week Dynasty' helps community members in need

Doing Unselfish Charities for Kids (DUCK) began in 2004 when a group of student council members started a charity week as a community service project.

This year's theme is “DUCK Week Dynasty.” The actual week is March 11-15, but fundraisers and other events are scheduled beginning Monday.

Proceeds from such events as Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant night, a Kiwanis pancake breakfast and a silent auction and talent show will be donated to this year's community recipients.

Piedmont school faculty members submit nominations to a student-based committee, said Alissa Antwine, faculty adviser. About 100 high school students met and determined this year's recipients.

Scott Garnand is the husband of Anita Garnand, a second-grade teacher at Piedmont Elementary School. He has been battling kidney failure. He currently is raising money for a kidney transplant.

“He has been on dialysis for a while,” Antwine said. “Every day for about eight hours a day.”

Joanne Hall spent several years on the cafeteria staff until she was diagnosed with lymphoma. She had been in remission, but the cancer has re-emerged, and she has been hospitalized and is striving to defeat it for a second time, Antwine said.