Generous students at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary received a hotdog of deal last Friday during the school's annual cancer awareness day.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

H-M-S Elementary Principal Cathy Jochims grills up hotdogs during the school's "Tailgate For a Cure" cancer awareness event.

Students and staff members contributed $1,197.96 to help find a cure for cancer. The money collected will be sent to the American Cancer Society and the June E. Nylen Cancer Center to help fund their fight.

"The elementary staff and students love doing this event every year and will continue to do so until a cure is found," said physical education teacher Janet Prins, who helps organize the event.

This year's theme was "Tailgate For a Cure". Students and staff planned to tailgate by eating their lunch outside and participating in some fun games on the football field, but the less-than-ideal weather kept them indoors. Instead, Principal Cathy Jochims grilled hotdogs outside and then put on her hot dog costume to entertain the kids while they ate.

The day wrapped up with a balloon release in the parking lot. They represented people who have cancer, people who had cancer and beat it, and those who lost their battles.