It all began 10 years ago when facilitators and team members of the Health Science Pathway at the St. Charles Parish Public Schools’ Satellite Center decided they wanted to do something to raise awareness for breast cancer – the Pinks Links Competition was birthed.
What began as a friendly rivalry between Hahnville High School and Destrehan High School students to see which school could raise the most money has led to over $100,000 being donated to the American Cancer Society.
Farianne Mott, who works in recruiting at the Satellite Center, said the school group has been awarded the Louisiana Top Performer and Pacesetter Team by the American Cancer Society in past years.
In 2019 the effort raised a little over $19,000.
“It’s important because with these youth we want to teach them to have compassion and be giving,” Mott said. “The whole competition teaches the life lesson of doing things for others.”
During the course of the fundraiser, each school sells $1 paper links to raise money for the cause. On the night of the DHS vs. HHS football game, set for Nov. 20 this year, the links for each school are joined and a winner is determined.
“The links are draped across the football field during the halftime show and the total amount raised is revealed,” Mott said, adding what started as a local high school project has spread into the community. “We now receive donations from all the schools in the parish, local businesses, government and surrounding areas.”
The campaign lasts through the month of October. Mott said fundraising efforts have been hampered this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Normally we could have students visiting more places and collecting money,” she said, adding this year the bulk of donations have come via the project’s website.
To learn more about the project or to donate, visit www.fightforpink.org.
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