Olive Garden Raises $2 Million for Leukemia Society

Olive Garden Italian Restaurants recently reached their goal of raising $2 million through its “Pasta for Pennies” program to benefit the Leukemia Society of America. The program encourages elementary, middle, and high school students around the country to donate any spare change they can find. The class that raises the most money receives a pasta lunch from the restaurant chain.

More than 1,500 schools nationwide recently contributed their spare change to help Olive Garden reach this year’s goal. “We salute students, teachers, and parents for their participation in “Pasta for Pennies,” said Brad Blum, President of the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant.

More than 290 Olive Garden Restaurants participated in “Pasta for Pennies” this year. In addition to a pasta lunch, schools have the chance to win such prizes as computers, televisions, and educational trips. Olive Garden further supports the program by hosting kick-off luncheons for participating schools and providing market support.