City schools are participating in the Pasta for Pennies program sponsored by the Olive Garden.
The program supports the fight against blood-related cancers, helps fund important life-saving initiatives and provides critical services to patients and their families according to the Olive Garden website.
Both Chelsey Hostetter and her daughter, Karlie, 5, who was diagnosed with leukemia last Feb. 7, attended Monday's kickoff assembly at Buckeye Elementary School to share their story with the school.
"And," Hostetter said, "to help everyone know the importance of this, what it is like to have cancer and the importance to donate to this program."
Along with 38 other kids, Karlie is an honored hero for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Northern Ohio, Hostetter said.
Buckeye Principal Denny Niederhiser said Karlie will be a Buckeye student next year and for all the children in the assembly to see her there, someone who has been diagnosed and is being treated for leukemia, it really hit home.
"So next year, she'll be one of our kids," Niederhiser said. "It was good for our kids ... it was a learning experience."
There are 420 schools registered to participate in the campaign to raise money to help patients like Karlie and fund to research and find a cure for blood cancers.
The goal is to raise $378,000 from all of the schools from this campaign.
"Since 1994, Pasta for Pennies has raised more than $53 million to fight leukemia and lymphoma and to provide a wide range of services to patients and their families.
Each year, schools choose a three-week period when students fill collection jars in their classrooms with donations of spare change.
The class collecting the most money at each school is awarded a pasta party delivered to their classroom by their local Olive Garden restaurant. The program will run through Feb. 25.
Niederhiser said students have collection jars with thermometer charts so they can track their contributions.
Hostetter said it's a great way to spread awareness
"I am proud to say that all of the Salem schools will be participating in this program." Hostetter said.
nice program....
ReplyDeletehelp for many people in the world...cheeerss...