The Pennies for Patriotism drive at Pleasant Run Elementary School ended Friday with a total collection of $3,000. This included a donation from Klei Lawn Mower and Tractor Sales Inc.

        The penny drive increased into more than just fund raising as students, teachers and parents expressed their civic interest through ribbons and heart-shaped pins that read “God Bless America.”

        The group formed a team among students, teachers and parents who put plastic milk jugs in each classroom for collections. The jugs were emptied into an aquarium decorated in red, white and blue.

        Each morning during the fund drive from Sept. 17-28, they began the morning with the Pledge of Allegiance, a patriotic song and shared poems.

        Two flags and stars were displayed in the front windows at the school. A front marquee sign read: “America, United We Stand.”

        Parents joined staff and students to pray. The money will be presented to the Red Cross.

        The Sharonville Fire Department raised $51,600 through its “Fill The Boot” campaign. The money will be sent to the New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund.

        The Syndicate Entertainment Complex and Ohio Travel Treasures will present two shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday as “A Salute to Lady Liberty” fund raiser at the Syndicate Ballroom, 18 E. Fifth St., Newport.

        “We are utilizing our experience to bring people for a cause,” said Diane Sphar, one of the coordinators of the event.

        The goal is to raise $10,000 for disaster relief. She said volunteers are needed to help contact local corporations, tourism officials, and local and state representatives.

        Musicians Pam Thompson and Paul Halverstadt will perform.

        For reservations, call the Syndicate at (859) 491-8000, or Ohio Travel Treasures at (800) 598-0464.

        To help, call (513) 923-9112.

        Betraying Judas, a six-piece rock 'n' roll band, will play Cosmo's today in Covington's MainStrasse district and donate its salary to the Red Cross. An opening acoustic act, Randy and Miss Heather, will do the same. Bartenders will donate their tips, and the bar will donate part of the evening's proceeds. • • • The Grand Finale Restaurant in Glendale is giving its patrons a special coupon this month. When the coupon is presented in October, it will guarantee that 100 percent of the restaurant's proceeds from that check will be donated to the Red Cross.

        Coupons are not valid on Saturday nights or Sunday brunch, or for groups of more than eight.

        Call (513) 771-5925.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Monday-Friday and Sundays. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements or acts of kindness that are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362; at ahoward@enquirer.com; or by fax at 768-8340.

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