Sarah Letteney Gilman, an eighth grader at Roslyn Middle School, recently completed her bat mitzvah requirements, one that entailed a successful fundraising campaign for cancer research.

Sarah's project began this past year, when she decided to raise money for cancer research, to be donated to the American Cancer Society. Her aunt had died in 2007 from brain cancer. This relative was a young woman and her illness and subsequent death had a devastating impact on the family and her children. Sarah, according to her parents, was deeply affected.

Sarah's project consisted of approaching local businesses and asking for donations. To do this, she created a flier explaining her project and her motivations. She asked to speak to the manager in each store, explaining her aunt's illness from cancer, and asked if they would like to contribute. The response, also according to her parents, was 100 percent positive. Every business approached gave something.

With these donations, Sarah decided to hold a raffle. She composed a letter describing her project and sent it out by mail to family and friends. Responses to the request for raffle tickets were also positive. Sarah has raised approximately $4,000, which she will donate to the American Cancer Society (ACS). She held the raffle on Oct. 4 and she is now distributing the prizes.

Over 20 local businesses contributed prizes, including Beautiful Kids, Sorell's Salon, Hunan Taste Restaurant, National Jeans Co., Wheatley Bake Shop and Café, East Emporium of Roslyn Village, Clearview Cinemas, Besito Restaurant, Shoestyle Store, Citron Restaurant, Delicacies Deli, Fancy Ladies, Greenvale Diner, Attilio's Pizzeria, Nubest Salon and Spa, Michael David Salon, Vita Salon, Salon Pop, Jill Scherer Ltd., Elaine's Restaurant, and Infinity.