The Science National Honor Society (SNHS) concluded its yearly Pennies for Patients campaign, exceeding its fundraising goal of $3,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The fundraiser started on Feb. 6 and ended March 2.

The current counted amount raised is approximately $3,100, though this amount will be even higher once funds from Bertucci’s night are received. Last year, approximately $2,000 was made, increasing the raised amount by over $1,000 for this year.

“I am so happy that we met and exceeded our goal,” SNHS Co-Sponsor and biology teacher Claudia Lemus said. “Initially, we weren’t sure if we were going to make our goal. We just put so much work into this and we’ve been able to surpass our goal every year.”

SNHS held multiple events to help reach their goal. Along with Bertucci’s night, there was also a Fuddruckers’ night, a movie night and a date auction.

“We did so well because our officers were able to plan so many different and unique events throughout the entire month,” SNHS member and junior Wenhui Huang said.

Donation boxes were present in the cafeteria during all lunches for the entire duration of the fundraiser. A ‘penny war’ between the classes was held to help encourage donations, which the seniors ended up winning. Members also carried donation boxes around asking people to contribute to the cause.

“Ultimately what helped us reach our goal this year was a combination of more events and more participation from the school in general,” Lemus said. “I also feel that many students and faculty members remember this campaign from past years and wanted to help out.”

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is an organization that funds research on finding treatments and cures for blood cancers.

“It’s great that all of our hard work with raising money is going towards helping all those kids with cancer who really need help,” SNHS member and junior JJ Quizon said.