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VIDEO: Oak Chan's Dragon Paradise supports students
Oak Chan Elementary School's Dragon Paradise fundraiser was a success for students and the Canine Companions for Independence.
Special Education Teacher Susan Woodman organized and held the three day Dragon Paradise restaurant fundraiser with the help of her students and parent volunteers on April 5-7.
The funds they raised go towards an end of year field trip for Oak Chan's students in counseling enriched classes. Whatever money they don't spend on the field trip they will donate to Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) because they give service dogs to people with disabilities for free, said Susan Woodman.
Oak Chan Elementary has been involved with CCI for over 10 years, having a service dog on campus and also raising puppies to become service dogs. This is the fifteenth year the school has held Dragon Paradise. The event provides the opportunity for students with disabilities to apply, interview and then do the job of running the Dragon Paradise restaurant: hosting, taking orders, preparing and serving meals. Over 300 people attended the event over the three days, and they raised $1,800.
Oak Chan is currently home to facility dog Pizzazz and puppy-in-training Henley. Woodman said the dogs provide a bridge for students with disabilities, that they might not normally be approached on the playground to play by other kids, but are because most kids like dogs.
The service dogs help students on campus with various disabilities and have very calming effects, helping provide comfort and support for the students.