Dogwood Parents, Student Bake Up Fundraiser for Inspirational Teacher

Dogwood Elementary School parents and students are proving they've received an A+ in learning caring is sharing. 

Alison Gaudy said she was shocked to learn when her daughter's kindergartner teacherValerie Spillane had a house fire in July and lost everything she owned. Gaudy and other parents banded together to spend sympathy cards with some gift cards, but felt the need to do more. 

"They all loved her so much," Gaudy said. "There wasn't a day she wasn't happy to go to school." 

She decided to take the extra step and do something more, organizing a used book and bake sale on Monday afternoon. 

"My kids have raised money at my own yard sales doing brownie stands for organizations like Wounded Warrior," Gaudy said. "Maybe they can do something simple to help."

Dogwood Elementary School parents and local residents milled around purchasing baked goods, books and raffle tickets for gift baskets from local business.

Some of the local businesses who donated include Caliguiri's Patio Pizza in St. James, Fanny Cakes in Nesconset,  Rocco's in St. James and  Sportime in Hauppauge. 

"She whole heartedly gave her heart and soul in teaching," said Danielle Eskadel, whose daughter was in Spillane's class. "The kindergarten class wasn't just her students, they were her children."

All proceeds of the day will given to Spillane to help her recover from the fire. The sale will run throughout the afternoon,