By Lian Bunny
Photo Editor
If you attended the black light party or joined the dodgeball tournament this weekend, you helped ENACTUS raise about $400 for Embrace if Africa.
Both events were a part of the group’s second annual Give Back Bash.
ENACTUS, a St. Bonaventure University club designed to help students gain teamwork skills, leadership experience and an entrepreneurial mindset, hosted a black light party on Friday, April 8 from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. in the Rathskellar. Students paid $3 at the door, which covered pizza, drink specials, glow sticks and music.
According to Ariana Buzzelli, director of the event, about 50 students attended the black light party.
John Polen, a sophomore biology major, said he was glad to help the cause.
“I have some friends who are in Embrace it Africa and (came to) help them out, help the foundation and meet some people,” Polen said. “Specifically, I don’t know what this fundraiser is for but to help impoverished children, I think that’s a pretty good cause.”
Embrace it Africa is a not-for-profit organization aiming to develop communities in southern Uganda. The group focuses on education, public health and eliminating poverty
Amanda Saeli, Embrace it Africa president, said the funds from the weekend will either go to one of the group’s two main projects or where the need is greatest, such as for food or soap.
“We have two big projects that we’re working on now,” Saeli, a junior marketing major, said. “We’re starting a medical clinic that’s going to be built this summer and getting our microfinance institution up and running.”
On Saturday, April 9, ENACTUS hosted a dodgeball tournament called Dodge4Africa. The event started at 10 a.m. in the Richter Center and featured seven teams of six to ten players competing to be dodgeball champions. With a $30 entry fee per team, the tournament part of the event raised $210.
Jordan Garrett, a junior management major, said he joined the tournament because a friend asked him to play.
“I don’t (know what Embrace it Africa does), but I would like to know more,” he said.
Buzzelli said the first place team won gift certificates for pizza and Embrace if Africa T-shirts. Second place won pizza gift certificates as well. Ried’s Food Barn also made a donation of ten dozen doughnuts for the dodgeball teams, she said.
“The dodgeball tournament was a lot of fun,” Buzzelli said. “I think everyone really enjoyed themselves. Some people even just came to watch and cheer on their friends.”
Saeli said she is glad students came out to support Embrace it Africa.
“Any donation is good enough.”
bunnyla13@bonaventure.edu
