The Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management graduating class of 2013 presented $12,800 to the Roc Solid Foundation on Aug. 20.

The funds were raised through a collaborative effort organized by the graduating class and in cooperation with the other students in the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management.

Phil Harvilla, vice president and collateral risk manager at Sandy Spring Bank and the charity coordinator for the graduating class, said, “I had an excellent team to work with and am very pleased with the outcome of our efforts. It is terrific to see everyone contribute to such a worthy charity, and I would like to thank all of those that supported our cause, including the Virginia Bankers Association, who provided a very generous donation.”

The Roc Solid Foundation, based just across the Suffolk line in Chesapeake, is an organization, determined to impact the lives of children with cancer and their families throughout the United States.

Play It Forward, their flagship program, builds custom playsets for pediatric cancer patients, fostering children’s ability to have fun, despite their condition. This and all of Roc Solid’s programs are built on the understanding that often a smile is the best medicine.

Eric Newman, founder and “chief play officer” of Roc Solid Foundation, said, “We are so appreciative of this donation, which will allow us to build hope for more children battling pediatric cancer. Many of these kids do not get to enjoy their childhoods as they should, and that’s one thing you can’t get back. Through the support we received from the Virginia Bankers Association, we will impact more children and families through our Play It Forward programs.”

Each graduating class of the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management contributes to a different charity of its choosing each year. Past charities that have received funds raised by bank school students include the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.