Family Fundraiser

This past Monday my family and I held a fundraiser in my home town of Cranbury, NJ. We set up a lemonade/brownie stand on Main Street during the town's annual Memorial Day Parade. My family was incredibly kind to do just about all of the prep-work and run the lemonade stand with me all day. Thanks to a great friend from school, we got the idea to give the lemonade and brownies away for free, but explain my cause and ask for a donation in return. This idea proved to be successful - we ended up raising $400 in donations! I plan on using this money to help pay my airfare to Tanzania.

Aside from the financial success of the fundraiser, it really meant a lot to me to have my family so involved in helping me pursue this dream. My 4-year old nephew even made a poster for the fundraiser!

Half way there!

I'm happy to report that I have almost reached the 50% mark in my fundraising! Thank you to all of my friends, family, and teachers who have shown such tremendous support over the past few weeks. I still have $2051 to go, but I now understand just how willing and eager people are to help out.

When I first decided to do this volunteer trip, I admit the one part that I was unsure of was the fundraising. Soliciting donations from my friends just feels a bit awkward. But I was also amazed at what it costs to travel to these countries in need, and work in their villages and schools. The $3776 that I have to raise is just the program fee. I still need to get myself there! My parents have graciously agreed to help with the airfare, but that still left a large amount that I needed to raise. A few weeks into my fundraising efforts though, and I have truly been heartened by the donations and kind words of encouragement and support from so many of my family and friends. It is hard to explain how it feels, but seeing so many people donate and show their belief in me gives me a new found sense of confidence and empowerment. You guys are the best :).

Thank You, Drexel!

What a great day! This past Friday I received the Harold J. Budd Award from Drexel University's LeBow College of Business. This award is given annually by the legal studies department of LeBow to a student who exhibits a commitment to academics as well as humanitarian causes. The ceremony was even more meaningful because the award was presented to me by Dean Tsetsekos as well as one of my favorite professors, Professor Sher. I was also pleased that both of my parents were able to attend.

While I am honored to have received this award, it is also exciting because there is a cash award with it that I can now contribute to my fundraising efforts. I still have a long way to go, but this $500 will be a huge help!

Asante sana, Drexel!
(Asante sana means thank you very much in Swahili.)