Ruth “Mrs. Dietz” Eni(right) and Anne Ritter(left) of Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure, serve up hotdogs to students at Kinder Academy Rhawnhurst for their acheivements in the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure Pretty in Pig Fundraising Contest. The celebration was sponsored by Dietz & Watson. (Brad Larrison)
Momma Dietz visited Kinder Academy’s Rhawnhurst location on Thursday, thanking the youngsters for their generous donations to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Pretty in Pig fundraising campaign.
The endearing Momma Dietz is also known as Ruth Eni, the chairwoman of Dietz & Watson Inc. The Wissinoming-based company is the sponsor of the Pretty in Pig campaign in support of the fight against breast cancer.
The 10 toddlers in the “Grasshopper” class at Kinder, located at 7922 Bustleton Ave., donated $172.55 — the most money per student of participating Philadelphia-area schools.
The generosity earned them a “Grillebration” thank you party in the day care’s playground. The winning class and other Kinder Academy students and staff were treated to Dietz & Watson grilled hot dogs. They also enjoyed snacks and drinks and were presented with Frisbees and pink Dietz & Watson hats.
“It’s for a wonderful cause,” said Momma Dietz, who has seen her mother, sister and daughter battle breast cancer. “It’s a shame this cancer has to be around. It’s a nasty illness.”
In all, Kinder Academy raised $500. Money was dropped into piggy bank-sized piglet babies.
“The teachers were very competitive, and families were happy to do it. They’ve been so generous,” said Kinder Academy executive director Leslie Spina, who takes part in Komen’s annual three-day, 60-mile benefit walk. “We all have mothers and sisters, and everyone feels like we’re making a difference.”
Among the big contributors this year were students in the School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.
“We’ve done really well. We’re fighting to get a cure,” said Somerton’s Sally Rotenberg, a retired teacher, breast cancer survivor and chairwoman of the Pretty in Pig school outreach program.
Ann Ritter, a program director for the local Komen affiliate, said the Pretty in Pig program has benefited her agency and provided an education tool for children.
“We love the concept,” she said. “There’s no better time to start with them than when they’re young.” ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215–354–3034 or twaring@bsmphilly.com
