POPLAR RIDGE - The idea came from a Southern Cayuga faculty meeting.

On Saturday, the idea blossomed into "Family and Community Day" at Southern Cayuga High School, a day's worth of events designed to raise money for the tsunami victims in Asia.

The district's faculty and students coordinated the fund-raiser, which included a community swim in the high school pool, a garage sale, a talent show and a pasta dinner. Athletic events such as volleyball, basketball and even a dodgeball tournament were also part of the fund-raiser.

"It's important for everyone to be together for something like this," said Alyssa Binns, who teaches English at the high school. "The adults are good role models for the kids to teach them to help other people out."

The fund-raiser wouldn't have been quite the success without very generous donations. Emily Howland Elementary School, part of the Southern Cayuga School District, donated many of the books and puzzles that were for sale at the garage sale.

There was also a raffle for 35 prizes that were donated by area businesses.

High school guidance counselor Jane Manning helped coordinate the fund-raiser and stressed the importance of the involvement of the students and the community.

Groups like the high school honor society, student council, drama club and Students For Politics all contributed to making the project happen.

"It's nice to see the whole school district involved in a positive way, and it's important to get the kids involved with helping out for a cause," Manning said. "This event goes beyond the school district - the donations from the community have helped very much and we want to thank everyone involved."