Needham Students Raise $1000 in One Day with Paint the School Pink Fundraiser

From Monsignor Haddad Middle School:

NEEDHAM, MA - Traditional hunter green and plaid made way for pink on a recent Thursday in October as Monsignor Haddad Middle School in Needham sponsored a Paint the School Pink Day and raised approximately $1000 in a single day for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

At MHMS, service is a cornerstone of the educational experience. Each month a homeroom takes a turn running a service project for the entire school. The programs are student driven, and each homeroom selects which cause to support and coordinates all the activities.

October was Ms. Jill Anderer’s homeroom’s turn. For 7B, the cause was easy to decide. For the second year in a row they chose breast cancer awareness with Paint the School Pink Day. Anderer’s mother was a beloved teacher in the St. Joseph Parish Schools, teaching fourth grade at the elementary school level and later
sixth and seventh grade Language Arts for Monsignor Haddad Middle School

Sadly, Ellen Anderer lost her battle to breast cancer in 2007. “It warmed my heart last year when they wanted to take on this fundraiser,” shared Jill Anderer. “To have them continue it this year was equally as special.”

Before following her mother’s footsteps into teaching, Jill Anderer worked as a recruiter for The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. When they learned about 7B’s efforts they sent enough pink bracelets for all students, faculty and staff, along with some pins and other
materials.

October 27 was the big day. Leading up to the event 7B worked hard hand making pink ribbon pins, organizing the awareness bracelets, and putting together bags for each of the eight MHMS homerooms. They created and hung posters throughout the school inviting classmates to participate in the fundraiser. For a minimum of five dollar donation students were allowed to dress out of their traditional uniform of hunter green and plaid as long as they wore pink.

When students who normally wear school uniforms have a chance to dress down, they do so with enthusiasm. For most girls, wearing pink is not a hard task. But MHMS boys were up for the challenge. Special athletic wear in pink was purchased just for this occasion. Sisters’ closets were raided as the boys were confidently in step with their female classmates to support this worthy cause. Prizes were awarded in each homeroom for best dressed boy and girl.

In addition to the dress down day, students in all three lunch periods were treated to a bake sale fundraiser. Once again, 7B answered the call of duty and contributed two items each for the sale. Cupcakes, cookies, Rice Krispie treats, and other the goodies were available for purchase, most festooned with pink frosting ribbons or sprinkle decorations. A raffle was held for one special dessert plate.

“It was very fun to do and get involved with. I think the best part was the bake sale, actually making the stuff,” said Paul Loeber of Weston, 7B’s student council representative. “It brings <the school> together, mainly because we are all supporting the same cause.”

Student Body President Charlie Kettlewell of Needham agrees. “I think it’s a really good cause that it’s going to. A lot of people are fighting this disease and it’s really tough,” he commented. The community feeling fostered during Paint the School Pink extends beyond the doors of Monsignor Haddad Middle School. “We
go to a Catholic school,” said Kettlewell. “I think it’s good to give back to the community.”

Photo 1: Ms. Jill Anderer and her homeroom 7B of Monsignor Haddad Middle School are ready for their lunch time bake sale as part of their Paint the School Pink Day fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Approximately $1000 was raised in just one day.

Photos 2 and 3: Monsignor Haddad Students show their spirit for the Paint the School Pink Day Fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Approximately $1000 was raised in just one day.

Images via Monsignor Haddad Middle School.