www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, April 27, 2012 · 20 Pasta Night becomes a wonderful tradition By Alex Mckeen Grade 12, Abbey Park H.S. asta is wonderful. It is wonderful because even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy it. It can be slurped, chomped, and savored. Teenagers can cook it by themselves. And mostly, it is wonderful because it helps save lives. Pasta Night is Abbey Park High School's way of fighting cancer. Like Queen Elizabeth Park before it, the waiters, waitresses, chefs and planners who help put on the event, serve up 400 pasta dinners to members of the community every year, raising thousands of dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society. This year marked the eighth annual event for Abbey Park. Months of preparation on the parts of students, parents and teachers went P European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship 905.849.0266 "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" WOOD N' FLOOR We install all Kinds of Floors, Stairs and Railings Serving Oakville residents for over 20 years. "Refinish Your Wood Floor Like New" We will beat every written quote! W Call KAZ (905) 338-1881 www.woodnfloor.ca into this event. The school feels fortunate to have the consistent support from the community for eight years. In the words of student council vice-president Aneesh Thakore, "This event shows that the people in Oakville really care about the Canadian Cancer Society, and about this cause. It's good to see people coming out to be part of the event, and to see local businesses who are enthusiastic about donating. It is clear that Oakville wants to combat cancer." Indeed, the support for this event is astronomical. More than 40 local businesses made contributions to the raffle table, and the meal that was served. Abbey Park would like to extend a special thank you to Fresh Co. and Cardinal meats, for providing the majority of the food for the event. On April 12, Abbey Park's student council hosted hundreds of community members in our cafeteria. Collaboration for the event was key to make Pasta Night a success. Graduating students rose to the occasion, sporting their finest clothing and smiles as wait- ers for the evening. True Abbey Park talent was put on stage, through many acoustic acts, and even a very talented yo-yo performer. Most significantly, however, were the efforts of the Abbey Park food classes. Students of all grade-levels prepared the pasta, sauce and salads all day, resulting in hundreds of delicious, wholesome meals. These, however, were not the only reasons that everyone was smiling that night -- with the help of generous community sponsors, this lasting tradition raised $2,800 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Pasta Night is more than just a school event, it's community tradition, reaching out to anyone and everyone who has been affected by cancer in one way or another. "It is important for us to remember that this event is more than just a great meal made by some motivated students," said Vienna Bassan, student council executive. "It is about making real change. The work done by the Canadian Cancer Society is life-changing, and being a part of that -- even a small part -- is magical." Abbey Park would like to thank everyone who contributed to and attended this year's Pasta Night. Together, we are all part of the effort to make cancer history. If you are a teacher or student interested in participating in an upcoming Kids Speak Out - School News column featured in the Beaver, please e-mail Tom Dykes at dykes@cogeco.ca. Would you know how to save them? St. John Ambulance Oakville Spring Special: Register for any of the below listed courses and receive 10% off if you mention "Spring Special". If your family member stopped breathing... EVERY MINUTE YOUR FAMILY MEMBER GOES WITHOUT CPR THEIR CHANCES OF SURVIVAL DECREASE BY 10%. Let us teach you the skills necessary to save the life of your loved one. Upcoming Oakville Courses Standard First Aid with AED and CPR A or C: (Meet your WSIB requirements) May 10,11 May 22, 23 June 6, 7 June 16, 17 May 14,15 May 29, 30 June 11,12 June 25, 26 New Parent Workshops What Every Babysitter Should Know (11-14 year olds) May 26 July 3 Home Alone (9-10 year olds) May 13 June 8 July 4 May 15 June 21 July 17 Courses are offered at 407 Speers Rd. Suite #202 (Dorval/Speers) Call St. John Ambulance at 905-469-9325 or visit us online at www.sja.ca