Nom, Nom Noodles philanthropy supports Lou Gehrig’s disease

Phi Delta Theta fraternity members serve up noodles at their house for “Nom Nom Noodles” on Tuesday, Nov. 15. All the chairs were filled and the line was long for the cheesy noodles, salad and brownies.  

Mary-Kate Burkert

One fraternity hopes noodles can cook up support for a cure.

Phi Delta Theta will be raising money for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Foundation in support of the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease by selling Noodles & Company to the Iowa State and Ames communities on Nov. 15. Tickets can be purchased for $4 from any Phi Delta Theta member prior to the event or for $5 at the door. On the menu for the event: spaghetti and meatballs, Wisconsin mac and cheese, Caesar salad, and lemonade.

Lou Gehrig’s disease hits very close to home for Phi Delta Theta fraternity brothers.

“Lou Gehrig was a famous baseball player and fellow Phi Delta Theta alum,” said Shane Gerkin, philanthropy co-chairman. “It is important that people attend in order to raise awareness about this disease and to be able to provide support to this organization which goes to help provide research for a cure and to provide assistance to people battling ALS.”

Many of the fraternity’s members said Noodles & Company, a recent addition to Ames this fall, has been a big help with this philanthropic event.

“Due to a very generous donation from Noodles & Company, all of our proceeds will go directly to the ALS Foundation this year,” said Colin Hueser, junior in biochemistry and member of Phi Delta Theta.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a degenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. Further research into ALS is necessary to save lives.

“We are hoping that having the backing of this company will increase attendance of both Iowa State students and Ames residents,” said Paul Nahnsen, Phi Delta Theta vice president and junior in agricultural systems technology. “Together, I think the potential to raise money for ALS research will be incredible through our philanthropy Nom, Nom, Noodles.”