Graduating Gift to UNC Lineberger

Guided by local jewelry designer and Durham Academy alumni Laura Zimmerman Whayne, seniors Bekah Dunn and Rachel Pea spent their last two weeks of school learning about the craft and business of jewelry designing.

With the intention of hosting a show at the end of their two week apprenticeship, Whayne challenged the girls to research and find a beneficiary for a portion of their proceeds from the show. Bekah and Rachel interviewed and toured three local non-profit organizations and ultimately chose to make a donation to the Patient and Family Resource Center at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The two entrepreneurial young women worked in the design studio, made arrangements for the show and hosted a successful event, raising over $800 to go to the Patient and Family Resource Center. Both are headed to college in the fall and are looking forward to doing more philanthropic work in the future.

Bekah Dunn (in middle) and Rachel Pea (on right) present a check to Pam Baker (on left), program coordinator for the Patient and Family Resource Center.