Yuma schools raise over $6,000 for cancer research

The competitive spirit, when applied toward a cause, can bring an outpouring of generosity.

Pasta for Pennies, a campaign to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, provides collection jars in classrooms around the country to raise funds for research. Since its inception in 1994, Pasta for Pennies, which has formed a partnership with Olive Garden Restaurants, has raised $47 million nationwide, according to society statistics.

Recently, two Yuma schools, Desert View Academy and O.C. Johnson School, wrapped up their drives with more than $6,200 raised for the society. The top fundraising classes earned a pasta lunch from Olive Garden.

Desert View Academy has an outstanding record of raising money for good causes, said Rick Ogston, executive director.

Last year, Desert View was the top fundraiser in the county and third best in the state. This year they set a goal of $5,000, but managed to reach $5,925. This is the seventh year Desert View participated, Ogston said.

"We're trying to teach the students about how cancer can affect nearly everybody at some point in their lives. While we try to teach them how important raising money is, teaching the importance of raising awareness is just as important."

Fifteen Desert View classes raised more than $250. But it was the third-grade class of Marilyn Gutierrez who raised the most - $560. For their efforts, the students will be treated to a pasta lunch at the end of March, Ogston noted.

Desert View has been touched by the trauma of cancer, witnessing the loss of several parents and this past Christmas, a staff member succumbed, Ogston said.

"It was a tragic loss. Elda Neketin was with us for over eight years. She loved reading and teaching literacy to our second-grade students. Cathy Prell, a para-professional, also passed away from cancer."

He said this was an excellent opportunity for students to learn the value of giving, even pennies, because every small amount helps. Ogston also praised Cindy Carter, character education teacher, for organizing the campaign which proved to be so successful.

Soliciting support for leukemia research turned out to be a very positive experience for students at O.C. Johnson School, said Jennifer Arellano, health clerk.

“They got really excited about the campaign. They were clearing out their piggy banks and sweeping their homes for change.”

O.C. Johnson collected more than $300 for their efforts. Arellano said that was very impressive given the current economy, when everyone is having a rough time financially.

She said the school had a student last year who previously had leukemia but it has been in remission for several years.

“It touches us more profoundly because we knew someone who was struggling with the disease.”

Typically, the top fundraising class of each school wins lunch but since three classes at O.C. Johnson were close in their final tally they will all get to dine. The classes of Yadira Hom, third-grade teacher; Sherry Elzey, fourth-grade teacher; and Anita Monk, special education teacher, will all share a lunch at the end of April.

One of the motivating factors about the program is children get to see how a little effort from a lot of people can really add up, said Katrina Noble, general manager of the Olive Garden on 16th Street.

Noble said they will deliver a spaghetti and marinara dinner with salad and garlic bread sticks to O.C. Johnson and serve students in class.

"At first, children are kind of shy but then they go, this is all for us? I doubt they get to eat in class very often, so it's kind of a treat for them."

William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.