During the few weeks between Thanksgiving break and winter vacation, Deerfield High School students busied themselves with more than their books.

Students participating in the School Chest Annual Fundraising event raise $45,000 for Friends for Steven and pediatric cancer research at Chicago Children's Memorial Hospital. Students hosted a pancake breakfast, special lunches, a dance marathon, a night of Christmas Carrolling and door-to-door canning to collect donations.

Their whole school community came together to support Friends for Steven," said Beth Newkirk, "The students, parents, and local merchants such as the Northshore School of Dance.

"I have never seen a more cooperative effort. It made us proud to be a part of such a caring group of kids and their families," said Beth Newkirk of Friends for Steven.