Pius X Students Raise Funds for Birthright
As part of their observance of Pro-Life week, Pius X students embarked on a campaign to fill baby bottles with donations to benefit the Lincoln chapter of Birthright International, a nonprofit organization that provides love, support and hope to women facing unplanned pregnancies. In less than one week, students brought in coins, cash, and checks to fill the baby bottles in their classrooms, raising a total of $2,934. The funds raised will be used to fund four months’ worth of billboard advertising for the pro-life organization.
Campus Minister Molly Milana organized the fundraising campaign that took place during 5th period class, where students and their teachers competed to see who could raise the highest amount during the collection period. The two classrooms that brought in the most funds were treated to a pizza party. World Geography teacher Shiela Sievert’s class claimed the top prize by raising $644.09, while Spanish teacher Magali Napier’s students were runners-up, raising $319.
Lincoln Birthright Director Paula Allen says that the funds raised by Pius X will enable the organization to purchase four months of billboard advertising for crisis pregnancy services. Beginning May 26th, the billboard sign will be erected across the street from Planned Parenthood on S. 48th St. and will remain for one month. After a break, the billboard sign will be displayed again from September through November of this year.
“We are really thrilled,” Allen says, noting that the organization operates solely on donations and volunteers. “Advertising is a huge budget item for us, and the students raised four entire months’ worth of billboard advertising in less than a week. We are so appreciative!” Allen and two Birthright volunteers were on hand for the pizza party celebrations, where students formally presented them with the proceeds from their pro-life fundraiser.
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PHOTO: (Left to Right) Campus Minister Molly Milana, Birthright volunteer Connie Munguia holding baby Joseph VanGerpen, Joseph’s mother and Birthright volunteer Amy VanGerpen, Director Paula Allen, Pius X freshmen Jennifer Nguyen and Christian Hans, and Pius X World Geography teacher Shiela Sievert.
