Lynnfield student hosts fundraiser event for class project

LYNNFIELD – When assigned to complete a 3-hour community service project, Lynnfield seventh grader Meghann Breton immediately knew she would need a lot more time to accomplish the task she had in mind.Rather than signing up at a local charitable organization, Breton decided to do something that hit closer to home. She chose to host a fundraising event to benefit her dance teacher’s 2-year old son, Jared, who’s battling Mucopolysaccharidoses, also known as Sanfilipo disease.The genetic disease affects the body’s natural ability to produce specific enzymes needed to break down and recycle material in cells. According to the National MPS Society’s Web site, when that process is prevented, the build up of such materials causes progressive damage throughout the body, including the heart, bones, joints, central nervous system, and respiratory system. Most children suffering from the disease don’t live beyond their teenage years.”Ever since I found out last year that he had it, I just felt so bad for Reia (her dance teacher) and for him,” said Breton. “It just must be awful for her and for him.”After seeking advice from her mother Deb, Breton contacted the Square One Mall in Saugus and asked them about setting up shop in part with their Dance Mania event this weekend. In addition to performing with her fellow dancers from Phunk Phenomenon, Breton will be selling homemade necklaces, bracelets, Italian cookies, and chocolate Hershey bars decorated with Jared’s photo, as well as the colors purple (for the illness) and white (for the angel of hope).Breton came up with the fundraising ideas all on her own after some brainstorming.”I thought, ‘What does my little sister love?’ She’s six and she loves jewelry,” said Breton, so she and her mother, sister, grandmothers and grandfather got to work making their own beaded creations.As for the chocolate bars, well, she admits to taking the idea from a fellow classmate.”One of the kids last year sold Hershey bars for breast cancer,” she said. “They sold so well in school, and I thought they’d probably sell even better at the mall because everyone there loves candy.”Breton and her mother have also organized a silent auction to take place. Items up for grabs include baskets of beauty products from Dellaria Salon, a diamond pendant from Kay Jewelers, a night’s stay and free breakfast at the Marriott Hotel, concert tickets, 50 percent off sign language lessons, and gift certificates to area restaurants, retailers, and amusement parks.”I’m stunned, let me put it this way, with the contributions people have made,” said the young girl’s mother.So far, Breton has raised over $600 in her candy and jewelry selling efforts. All proceeds will benefit Jared’s Foundation, Inc. to cover medical costs and research.Breton said her dance teacher was “wicked happy” and speechless.”I just want to raise as much awareness as possible,” said Breton. “And help Jared as much as we can.”The fundraiser and silent auction will take place Saturday, May 17 at the Square One Mall in Saugus from 12-2 p.m. Only cash will be accepted. Auction winners will be contacted immediately following the closing of the bids to arrange delivery and pick up of their purchases.For more information on how to donate for Jared’s cause, log on to www.jaredsfight.org.