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Schools

Claywell Elementary Students Raise $6,500 During Pasta For Pennies Campaign

Students are treated to a teacher spaghetti eating contest as a reward for their efforts to raise money to fight leukemia and lymphoma.

A mountain of cold spaghetti was piled all over  the tables and floor of the courtyard of as the cheers of over 700 excited students echoed in the background.

 It wasn't a food fight, but a "no hands" spaghetti eating contest and assembly involving six teachers, one from each grade level.

What was the reason for the melee?

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The contest was a culmination of the "Pasta for Pennies" fund raiser that brought in $6,585.06 from Claywell students for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

"I'm so proud of our students who learned a great deal about community spirit by participating in this event," said Claywell Principal, Lisa Maltezos. "It's very special to see and brings everyone together."

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"Pasta for Pennies" is a national fund raising program sponsored by the Olive Garden Restaurant Chain whose goal is to fight against blood related cancers as well as provide critical services for patients and families. 

Each year participating schools select a three week period when students fill jars with spare change. 

"One little girl told me that she brought in all of her Christmas money, it really warmed my heart," said Lauryn Dance, a guidance counselor who helped organize the event at Claywell.

Claywell was one of 278 schools in 10 counties who participated, according to Kimberly Barrs who is the School and Youth Manager for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The top fund raising classes for each school receive a free pasta party delivered to them by a local Olive Garden Restaurant.

"We've been this since 1994, and it's a win win situation," said Darrell Sullivan, the general manager of the Citrus Park Olive Garden who will provide a lunch for students from Mrs. Berg's class. The class raised $796.05, the most of any class at Claywell.

The spaghetti eating contest was won by first grade teacher, Mr. Lageose. How did he feel about winning?

"Sickening!" said Mr. Lageose. "But it was for a great cause and the bottom line is everyone had a lot of fun and we did a lot of good."

 

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