Shore Students Learn The Returns On Giving

Psychologists credit several theories for why human beings like to give.

One: they feel satisfaction for helping a public good. Two: they derive pleasure from making the decision to give. Three: it feels nice to be regarded as generous.

One group of students at should be feeling pretty good about now.

In this inaugural year for Mentor Schools' Response to Intervention program (known to students as “2.5,”) middle-schoolers get a 25-minute period set aside in the school day to receive extra help in math and reading or to explore new interests by participating in choice activities.

Students who selected the 3-H community service project this year empowered themselves to bake dog biscuits and sell them for the animals of , and were honored at an all-school assembly last Wednesday by representatives from the agency and, perhaps more importantly, their peers in the bleachers.

Their donation to the Humane Society: $310.

Their contribution to the public good: priceless.

Mr. Peter Dawson, who served as teacher through this project, also deserves a round of applause here, I'd say.

Now let's all draw some inspiration from Mentor's middle-schoolers as we mark our calendars for this year's Lake Humane fundraisers.

Music and animal lovers should have no problem getting on board early: $15 is an easy contribution to attend the Rescue Rock Off on Sunday, March 11, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Harry Buffalo, 2119 Mentor Avenue in Painesville, with all proceeds benefiting the reluctant residents of Lake Humane.

The event features five bands donating their time for the cause — Dan McCoy & the Standing 8's, Kevin Conaway, Tony Shultz, Dear Jimmy Band and Mouth Wired Shut.

An appetizer buffet is included in the cost of the ticket. Also available: a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, prize giveaways, and if you bring a donation from Lake Humane's wish list, you'll enter a separate drawing for something special.

“Last year this event brought in over 200 people and raised thousands of dollars towards the care of the injured, abused and abandoned animals at Lake Humane Society,” said Mandy Osborne, marketing/fundraising coordinator for the agency. “Show your support for your local animal shelter and enjoy a great concert while doing so.”

Tickets can be purchased at the facility, 7564 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor, or at the venue the day of the event. For more information call 440-951-6122 and like www.facebook.com/LakeHumaneSociety.