The students of Joan MacQueen Middle School broke their own record this year: they raised $1,700 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through their participation in the Pennies For Patients fundraising campaign. This the most that JMMS has ever raised for the Society in more than 22 years of annual participation, according to school principal Karen Hohimer.
Also known as Pasta For Pennies, the fundraiser sees classes compete against each other by bringing in donations to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The winning classroom receives a pasta party and all the funds go to help fund blood cancer research.
“The fun part is watching the classes compete against each other to see who can raise the most money. The teachers and students become quite competitive,” said Hohimer.
Individual school districts often dedicate their annual campaign to a specific person who is affected by blood cancers, known as the “Honored Hero”. This year, Luke Hayworth was the face of the fundraiser.
JMMS School Counselor Jane Firth said she was delighted to see that a former student, Lilly Kuhn, survived leukemia and how she looks forward to seeing Luke win his fight as well.
“I remember seeing her come to school so sick and now she’s in remission, attending UC Irvine in the nursing program, and it just makes me feel so good. See, every penny counts,” Firth said.
One of the student ambassadors who worked with Firth on the program this year also expressed her joy in raising funds for blood cancer research, one penny at a time.
“We give the change so that others can have a change in life,” said Erica Cooper.
“The best part of the fundraiser is knowing we are helping find a cure for cancer,” said Hohimer.
