Wednesday, January 20, 2010 1:04 pm

The Webb School at Bell Buckle began raising funds for disaster relief in Haiti on Friday, Jan. 15, just three days after a devastating earthquake wracked the island country. To date the school has raised nearly $7,000; the funds will be contributed to The Red Cross’ efforts in Haiti.

The total donated includes a $1,000 anonymous challenge gift from an “angel donor.”

“I had no doubt that our families would respond to this challenge,” said Amy Mitchell, Webb’s dean of students. “The Webb community always manages to find a way to support those in need when presented with the opportunity.”

The Webb School is a college preparatory boarding/day school for grades 6-12. The school has a dual focus on academic excellence and character development.

Mitchell said she was extremely pleased on Friday, when she and Interim Head of School Gordon Bondurant began noticing $20 and $50 bills, and checks for hundreds of dollars being placed in the collection baskets.

“I am proud and humbled,” she said. “Students, parents and grandparents wanted to touch the lives of those in Haiti ... I am immensely proud of our students.”

The Webb School will continue to collect donations through Wednesday, Jan. 20. To make a donation, or for more information about this Webb initiative, contact Mitchell via email: amitchell@webbschool.com. For more information about The Webb School visit www.thewebbschool.com.