I Pop for a Cause Making Positive Difference at Normal Community H.S.
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: January 16, 2013
NORMAL- It's a treat most everyone enjoys.
But at Normal Community High School, these students are doing more with the recipe than just adding butter and salt.
"Selling popcorn can bring up memories about going to the movie theatre having a fun time, seeing your friends," explained senior Nicole Rixstine.
Rixstine is the founder of this pre-lunch time effort known as "I Pop for a Cause."
The premise is simple.
Make popcorn, sell it for a dollar, and donate the proceeds to those who need it most.
"A couple families at school their houses burnt down and I was close with one of them and I decided to do something about it and raise money for them," explained Rixstine.
Since last fall, the cart has been bursting with popularity, raising an average of $250 each time it cooks for a cause.
"I think that's pretty nice of them," said senior John Raney.
Much to his surprise, Wednesday's popcorn sales are going to Raney's family.
Recently doctors diagnosed his baby sister with stage four lung cancer.
"I hope that they find a cure for my sister's cancer and they get rid of it right away."
Raney's 22 month old sister Serenity has been receiving weekly chemotherapy treatments at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
It's a 50 mile distance that's putting extra strain on his family.
"The car kind of breaks down a lot and the battery dies on it," said Raney.
"We're raising money for them you now get gas cards and stuff because they have to do a lot of driving and gas is expensive now," added Rixstine.
With extra school spirit to lift his own, Raney says having the support of friends during a tough time, is a gift, he'll never forget.
"Thank you all for allowing us to do this fundraiser for my sister. It means a lot."
All thanks to a snack, that seems to be getting a little sweeter.
But at Normal Community High School, these students are doing more with the recipe than just adding butter and salt.
"Selling popcorn can bring up memories about going to the movie theatre having a fun time, seeing your friends," explained senior Nicole Rixstine.
Rixstine is the founder of this pre-lunch time effort known as "I Pop for a Cause."
The premise is simple.
Make popcorn, sell it for a dollar, and donate the proceeds to those who need it most.
"A couple families at school their houses burnt down and I was close with one of them and I decided to do something about it and raise money for them," explained Rixstine.
Since last fall, the cart has been bursting with popularity, raising an average of $250 each time it cooks for a cause.
"I think that's pretty nice of them," said senior John Raney.
Much to his surprise, Wednesday's popcorn sales are going to Raney's family.
Recently doctors diagnosed his baby sister with stage four lung cancer.
"I hope that they find a cure for my sister's cancer and they get rid of it right away."
Raney's 22 month old sister Serenity has been receiving weekly chemotherapy treatments at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
It's a 50 mile distance that's putting extra strain on his family.
"The car kind of breaks down a lot and the battery dies on it," said Raney.
"We're raising money for them you now get gas cards and stuff because they have to do a lot of driving and gas is expensive now," added Rixstine.
With extra school spirit to lift his own, Raney says having the support of friends during a tough time, is a gift, he'll never forget.
"Thank you all for allowing us to do this fundraiser for my sister. It means a lot."
All thanks to a snack, that seems to be getting a little sweeter.
