Rocking out for a good cause, students at Eyer Middle School came together Jan. 18 for the annual Rock-a-thon event to raise money to help fund a beach house for children and their families going through cancer treatments.

Educators Beth Witte, Wellness and Fitness, and Kelsey Torpey, World History, organized the 2013 Rock-a-thon event.

This year, Eyer Middle School raised a total of over $17,000.

"This is the most we have ever raised," Witte said, "I'm excited."

The proceeds are donated to the Justin W. Jennings Foundation which help to fund "Justin's Beach House," a retreat located in Bethany Beach, Del. The beach house is set aside for kids and families dealing with cancer treatments. Many children going through chemotherapy from the Lehigh Valley use "Justin's House" as a place to relax and spend time relaxing with their family.

Kathy Green serves as a board member for the organization and is a major liaison between oncology patients in the Lehigh Valley and "Justin's House."

The Jennings, Justin's parents, also purchased the property next to "Justin's House," which they have transformed into a calming serenity garden, bringing even more peace and relaxation opportunities for the families during their beach stay.

Over 325 Eyer students, volunteering on 49 teams, participated in the Rock-a-thon this year. Student Eric Cichocki raised the most money on an individual basis, while team "The Avengers" raised the greatest amount with a collective amount of over $1,000.

For donations, team "The Avengers" "went around our neighborhoods and asked our families" to sponsor and make donations.

The teams form, make a name for themselves, raise money and then must "rock out" for the entire night.

This year, the Rock-a-thon was held 8 p.m. Jan. 18 until 7 a.m. Jan. 19 where students rocked the night away - in rocking chairs that is.

The rules are that one member of the team must be rocking at all times. Students take their turn in the chair and alternate rocking.

Local businesses, Emmaus Yoga, 860 Broad St., Emmaus, and Leading Edge Martial Arts, 3239 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown, brought class sessions to the school to help students during their free time.

To stay up all night, the kids turn to the entertainment, exercise and sugar.

"[It's] a lot of soda and running around," Zachary Mcnamara said about how he planned to pull the all-nighter.

"It's a good cause, and we like to support people who need help," Jenna Kurts of the team "Fluffa Monsters" said.

The students are excited to help the foundation and "Justin's House" to support kids and their families going through hard times.

"We want people to feel normal," student Grace Jansen of team "Fluffa Monsters" said.

The students, parents and teachers at Eyer Middle school support "Justin's Beach House" and will continue to rock for a good cause.