But the little, local fundraiser turned into a community service project that extended well beyond the boundaries of the Saratoga community—more than 160 miles away, to be exact.

Following the San Simeon earthquake in December of 2003, the members of the student council at Saratoga Elementary School took it upon themselves to donate $338 raised at a one-day bake sale held in January to aid the city of Paso Robles. Assemblyman Abel Maldonado, Assemblywoman Rebecca Cohn and a representative from state Sen. Bruce McPherson's office came together on June 4 to recognize a group of fifth-grade students from the Saratoga school who started the fundraiser.

Paso Robles Mayor Frank Mecham, who could not be present at the assembly, said during a phone interview that the money received in March has been placed into a Main Street Disaster Relief Fund to help business owners rebuild their damaged properties.

"It's been put into an earthquake relief fund for business and property owners who have been displaced," Mecham said. "We were very taken by their generosity."

Paso Robles merchants had difficulty initially retrieving goods out of their damaged establishments, Mecham said, and many were out of jobs and income. But of the businesses in Paso Robles harmed by the natural disaster, Mecham said 90 percent now have their doors back open, thanks to community generosity.

"We didn't expect something like this from within the area or from out of the area," Mecham said.

In recognition of these efforts, the politicians representing both the Saratoga and Paso Robles areas presented a certificate of recognition from the California State Assembly to the Oak Street school, during the June 4 schoolwide assembly.

"When that day hit our district—our beautiful city—we never expected this," said Maldonado.

He went on to add that one of the donations that meant the most to Paso Robles citizens was from Saratoga Elementary School.

"We'll never, ever [be able to] repay you for the donation you've given."

In addition, Maldonado presented a proclamation from the Paso Robles City Council to the students for their unselfish efforts in assisting in the rebuilding of Paso Robles. The fifth-grade students said they were surprised and appreciative of such a grand thank-you.

"It's a big responsibility, and people look up to us," said fifth-grader David Mandell, student council president at the time of the bake sale.

Other fall student council representatives who organized the bake sale were Claudia Walsh, vice president; Emmie McKiernan, secretary; Megan Brading, treasurer; Abby Frankola, announcer; and Kara Samuels, historian.

"We thought of the bake sale and really wanted to help them," Emmie said. "But we never thought we'd get a thank-you like this."

Each semester, the student council members raise money for a charitable donation, according to fifth-grade teacher Debbie Tanguay, who oversees the student council.

"It's exciting that the kids are recognized for doing things like this," Tanguay said. "And this is a good way to end the school year."

The recognition will hopefully encourage students to be even more enthusiastic about raising money for other good causes in the future, Tanguay said. After the assembly, the politicians signed yearbooks and met with the students personally. Students remarked that the assembly was one of the "best" and "coolest" events in their young lives.

Other attendees at the assembly included Saratoga Vice Mayor Kathleen King, Saratoga Union School District Superintendent Lane Weiss and a very proud Marybarbara Zorio, principal of Saratoga Elementary School.

"It's amazing that something as simple as a bake sale can cause this," Zorio said. "The idea was borne by the children, and it has made a difference."

Cohn, who lives just down the street and whose son attended the school as a child, demonstrated her appreciation during the assembly for the students' philanthropic efforts.

"You guys, I've got to tell you, you're super impressive," she said. "You made a difference in the lives of other people and that's a very big lesson to learn."