Piedmont Middle School sixth graders know how to go the extra mile for others. The students raised $13,337 through a walkathon on May 28 to benefit the George Mark Children's House in San Leandro.

"You have exceeded all expectations," said sixth-grade core teacher Penny Sullivan, who organized the event. "It's absolutely phenomenal how much money we have made for the George Mark Children's House."

A pediatric and end-of-life care facility, the George Mark Children's House was founded by psychologist and Piedmont resident Kathleen Hull. The first such facility in the country, it opened on March 15.

Hull developed the facility in memory of her two brothers -- Mark Nicholson, who died in a car accident in 1962 at age 16, and George Nicholson, who died of cancer in 1969 at age 30.

During an assembly held on Tuesday, sixth grade student council representatives presented George Mark official Annie Berlin with a check for the walkathon proceeds. Berlin is the facility's director of communications and individual giving.

Berlin told the students about the history and mission of the facility and showed some slides of its interior.

"It's the first one in the United States that's ever been built, and it was built based on models that were developed in England, in Vancouver, Canada, and two in Australia," Berlin said.

The facility can accommodate eight patients at a time, ranging in age from infants to 19 years. Thus far, the facility has served nine patients.

"It is only for children who will not live throughout their childhood," she said. "But it's a very happy place. It's full of activity. It's full of life."

Students were impressed with the slides showing the patient rooms -- all uniquely painted by muralists.

Patient rooms include: the Good Night Moon Room; the Sea Breeze Room; the African Safari Room, and the Treasure Trove Room. All the medical equipment in the rooms is hidden behind sliding panels.

The facility also has a computer room, music room and spa, as well as two family apartments.

Berlin said the donation from the Piedmont sixth-graders is greatly appreciated and will help purchase more art supplies and musical equipment for the patients.

"This is a significant contribution," Berlin said. "I think what's most important is the way the students decided, the way they organized, the way they came together."

"I think it also reflects their interest level," she added. I think these children genuinely want to know what happens in a house like this."

Students themselves were surprised by how much they raised.

"It's astonishing," said sixth-grader Brad Zukerman, 11.

Student Council representative Cormac Craigie, 12, said Berlin's presentation inspired him.

"It makes me want to go there and just help out and volunteer," Craigie said.

For more information about the George Mark Children's House, see www.georgemark.org.