By Bhreeyana  Miller

C

ould pasta be the cure for leukemia & lymphoma? Unfortunately not, however pasta does help raise money for curing leukemia & lymphoma.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is partnering with schools and youth programs to raise money for patients who have Leukemia or Lymphoma in partnership with  “Olive Garden’s Pasta for Pennies."

According to Olive Garden’s website, Pasta for Pennies is a national fundraising program in partnership with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with more than three million student participants. Since 1994, the program has raised more than $53 million to support the fight against blood-related cancers, help fund important life-saving initiatives and provide critical services to patients and their families.

Lincoln High School has been apart of this program for five years, since the re-opening of Lincoln.  Ashley Lavienlong, Lincoln A.S.B.’s Commissioner of Clubs and Organizations, is in charge of this year’s Pasta for Pennies.

“We should be apart of this so we can all contribute for a good cause," said Lavienlong.

One class from each center that has raised the most money will receive a pasta party from a local Olive Garden restaurant. To be eligible for prize, the minimum amount that has to be raised is $80.

Many other schools and programs along with Olive Garden are helping these patients, but a lot of people do not know about this fundraiser.

“By donating money, our school helps families with Leukemia or Lymphoma patients with financial aid. This pays for medication ad other necessities,” said Lavienlong.

Lincoln raised an estimated $450, with only two classes winning the lunch catered by Olive Garden.  Congratulations to Mr. Hash's (from Science and Engineering) and Mr. Davis' (from Social Justice) fourth period class for qualifying for the prize!