Davis Teacher Inspires Fundraising by Weber Students
The Weber School’s Teen Rams Against Cancer have launched a campaign to raise $95,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The Weber School’s Teen Rams Against Cancer kicked off its Student Visionaries campaign earlier this month with a goal to raise $95,000 in 2025 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Led this year by Daryn Mand, a junior who has been involved in the campaign for years and was last year’s lead fundraiser, and Jagger Kaye, who is new to the campaign and brings tremendous energy to the effort, the two and their team hit the ground running on day one.
There are 18 members of The Weber School team this year. Each student created a list of 50 contacts and sent customized notes to their group, requesting donations. The team also made colorful postcards that they mailed out to their contacts and placed on school and area bulletin boards. In addition, there is a corporate outreach initiative that has thus far proved fruitful in generating donations from companies. Also new this year, Whit’s Frozen Custard has named specific evenings to donate 20 percent of the receipts on selected nights to the campaign, and other restaurants may soon follow suit.

Both Mand and Kaye point to Kendrick Phillips, director of visual and performing arts at Davis Academy, as their inspiration for the campaign. Philips was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia nine years ago. According to Mand and Kaye, who both attended Davis, Phillips fights the battle each day with strength and fortitude.
“Though her cancer has been a battle, she perseveres every day. We are in awe of her fight. Ms. Kendrick has been a source of constant support and inspiration to so many of us, making our commitment to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s mission even more personal. Her brave self has taught us to stay strong and, most importantly, smile, no matter the circumstances. Until there is a cure, Ms. Kendrick will live with her cancer for the rest of her life,” said Mand.
During the past two weeks, the team began work on adding raffles to the fundraising mix. For a $10 raffle ticket, students will have the opportunity to win premium prizes such as headphones, an iPad, sports paraphernalia and gift cards. With almost a month left to go, the team feels certain they will reach and likely exceed their fundraising goal.
According to Reid Smith, campaign development manager for LLS, the Student Visionaries program equips students with leadership and business skills that will serve them well as they progress in their personal and professional journeys. Through the initiative, students acquire valuable expertise in effective leadership, business development, project management, and presentation skills.
“The Weber team always hits and frequently surpasses their goal. We at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society appreciate their commitment, hard work and willingness to come up with new ideas,” said Smith. Atlanta, in fact, is the second largest campaign in the United States.”

Daryn Mand certainly went outside the box when she solicited the involvement of her grandmother who happened to be in town with a number of philanthropists for the recent Lions of Judah conference. Her grandmother shared information about what the Weber team was doing, and her friends and fellow Angelenos quickly joined in the effort, contributing generously to Teen Rams Against Cancer for LLS.
“Weber is a very giving community, and we all want to support each other. We have been so happy with the response so far. Many of the team members this year have a personal connection with Ms. Phillips, and we want her to know how much we all support her,” emphasized Kaye.
Last year, participating Atlanta schools raised $2.4 million. The goal this year is $2.5 million. Weber’s team last year exceeded their goal of $65,000 and raised $82,000. Donations help fund research, find a cure, and support patients and their families. Donations may be made at https://events.lls.org/ga/svoyatlanta25/tramsagain
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