Penny Wars campaign runs until May 13

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University has launched the fourth annual Penny Wars to benefit cancer patients. The goal of the campaign is to collect one million pennies in just eight weeks. 

All proceeds will go to the Comfort Fund at the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center. The Fund provides short-term financial assistance for patients being treated at the Cancer Center Clinic until they can be linked with appropriate community, state or national resources. 

Coin collection containers are placed at area businesses, including: Black Bear Burritos, Boston Beanery, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cool Ridge, Damon’s Grill and Texas Roadhouse. Collection containers are also placed at various WVU campus locations, including: the HSC cafeteria, the HSC WVU bookstore, the WVU Barnes and Noble Bookstore and the Friends Gift Shop at WVU Hospitals. Donations can also be dropped off to the valet service at the WVU Cancer Center or mailed to Penny Wars, P.O. Box 9300, Morgantown, W.Va., 26506.

On May 7, the Clarion Hotel Morgan will host a Kentucky Derby Party as part of the fundraiser. The cost is $50 per person, which will include:  free valet, a hors d’oeuvres buffet, cash bar, entertainment, raffle prizes, silent auction and a hat contest. Those who want to participate in the hat contest should pre-decorate their hats and wear them to the event. Registration is required. Call Jessica Spatafore by April 29 at 304-293-0789.

Local public schools also plan to support Penny Wars through their own fundraising efforts.  Parents are encouraged to call their children’s schools to assist in planning ways to raise funds to help the MBRCC meet its goal of one million pennies.

The Penny Wars will continue until May 13. Last year, the campaign raised more than $12,000 to benefit cancer patients at WVU.