Jamie Schnars with his children, Oliver and Lilly. The annual JHS Penny Wars fundraiser will benefit Schnars’ family, who passed away in October at the age of 54 after a courageous battle with cancer. Schnars’ children Oliver and Lilly are now in the care of their aunt, Bonnie Schnars, a JHS Behavior Specialist and head coach of the boys soccer team.

Jamestown High School’s annual “Penny Wars” fundraiser is underway and this year will benefit a local family who recently lost a beloved father, brother, and son.

All proceeds from the fundraiser — a month-long fundraising competition organized by JHS Student Organization — will benefit the children of Jamie Schnars, who passed away in October at the age of 54 after a courageous battle with cancer. Schnars’ children Oliver and Lilly are now in the care of their aunt, Bonnie Schnars, a JHS Behavior Specialist and head coach of the boys soccer team.

“Penny Wars has become such a powerful tradition at JHS,” said Betsy Rowe-Baehr, JHS Student Organization advisor. “Each year, our students come together to lift up a family in our community, reminding us how much heart and compassion they bring to this building. We’re especially proud to support the Schnars family this year.”

“I cannot explain how much this all means to me and our family,” said Bonnie Schnars. “Jamie, our entire family, our parents, and I are all proud JHS graduates. Being on the receiving end of such kindness has been overwhelming in the best way. We are grateful for this support from the JHS community — it is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for us, and we are so grateful.”

For 25 years, students have spent the holiday season raising money for a worthy cause within the JHS family, Rowe-Baehr said. Students spend the month of December leading up to the last day before the holiday break raising money for the cause. All pennies count as “positive” points and all silver and dollar bills count as “negative” points. Following the annual all-school assembly concert by the A Cappella Choir on the last day of school before break, the winning class is announced.

The highlight of the event? Losing class advisors and presidents are either “slimed” or receive a “pie to the face.”

Additional incentives for students to raise money have included principals, superintendents, and other staff members being “slimed” or receiving a “pie to the face” if certain fundraising levels are achieved.

But most of all, the school has spent the holiday season focusing on what’s most important: giving back to the community. Since its inception, the fundraiser has raised nearly $100,000 for worthy causes within the JHS family.

Donations must be received by 12 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22 to be counted toward the competition. Those interested in donating to a certain class’s Penny Wars campaign can contact any JHS class council member, advisor, or contact the school at (716) 483-3470.