Kids' play helps raise $600 to aid animals

Jamie Wilhelmi and Samantha Lanciloti of Wheaton were determined to make a difference.

Both of the 11-year-old girls worked together with their other school friends to raise more than $600 for DuPage County Animal Care and Control.

The work began two months ago when Jamie and Samantha wrote the script for "Lost," a play about three kittens that were cared for through the fostering program at DuPage Animal Care and Control.

Jamie and Samantha became friends eight years ago when they realized they not only shared the same birthday but also the same creativity and determination.

Their moms, Margie Wilhelmi and Michael Anne Lanciloti, said they are proud of the pair for their hard work and determination.

The two girls along with their cast and crew created fliers, set decorations and sold popcorn for the performance. The cast and crew included classmates Emma Wallace, Chloe Wicklas, Paige Mohan, Bryn Wicklas, Molly Sirvatka and Caitlin Palmisano, and family members Ethan Peck, Elissa Peck, David Lanciloti, Will Lanciloti and Michael Brewer.

The girls are already talking about what the play will be about next year and are looking forward to raising even more money to care for the animals, their moms said.