A plea for support! (And we need it desperately!!!)

In March 2011, I have the honor of volunteering in the small town of Cruz Verde, Dominican Republic, as a member of the Rhodes College Alternative Spring Break team with a group of 20 students.  In Cruz Verde our team of students and staff will work under the umbrella of The Sister Island Project, an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural, educational, and technical exchange.  The Rhodes team will work alongside the residents of Cruz Verde on service projects that these very residents have designed themselves based on the current needs in their small community.  These projects will range from renovating local school buildings and constructing playgrounds to tutoring children and addressing healthcare concerns on the island.

This year’s team consists of students from a wide range of backgrounds with a variety of academic interests and goals.  One thing we are united in, however, is our shared passion for broadening a vision of global community.  During our time in Cruz Verde, we look forward to building supportive relationships with men, women, and children who, despite our differences, have sought to forge and strengthen human connections with their global neighbors.  Our group is eager to contribute our time, energy, and resources in helping to meet community needs in Cruz Verde and, in particular, to model an ecologically responsible lifestyle for generations to come.  I have no doubt that our experiences in the Dominican Republic will radically transform the ways in which we view and interact with the world.

Our efforts to serve the community of Cruz Verde would not be possible without the support of our own families, friends, classmates, and colleagues.  In order to finance this trip, our team must fundraise over $25,000.  I ask that you would consider making a donation in support of our service efforts.  Any financial contribution, no matter the size, will help in a great way.  In the midst of hard economic times, though, I understand the difficulty of making an additional contribution beyond the general cost of living.  Whether or not you feel led to give, I ask that you would keep our team in your thoughts and prayers as we continue in our fundraising efforts, grow together, and, ultimately, engage with and serve alongside the men, women, and children of Cruz Verde.  I cannot describe how much your support is valued and appreciated by our entire team.

All donations are tax-deductible, and checks can be made out to “Rhodes College.”  Please mail all donations to:

Rhodes College
Bonner Center for Faith and Service
2000 North Parkway
Memphis, TN 38112

Alternatively, donations can be made online at https://www.rhodes.edu/gift/.  Indicate “other” from the menu on the attached link and specify “Alternative Spring Break” in the subject line.

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