Ice-free challenge

Most people in the Development world, as well as millions of people around the world, are watching a spectacle every day on their social media. The phenomenon is so simple and basic, yet it is making a huge impact. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has made such an impact that even Taylor Swift, Oprah, Robert Downey Jr., and my 10 year old niece have taken part. The awareness and fundraising campaign has truly gone global with India doing their own version (using rice instead of ice). With almost anything that goes viral, there are a few things that raise eyebrows or make people not want to take part, but I think the message is clear-people are raising awareness and ALS is something that most people now have actually heard of.

As a development director, I look in awe at the work that is being done to spread this across the country and to get people to donate and nominate. It's something I totally respect and even if not everyone understands the hype behind it or what they are doing, it's getting people to give in a new, share-friendly way.

Donating and spreading awareness is vital to keeping organizations alive. Every year at St. Mark Youth Enrichment, we impact 350 students as well as their families. The academic programs we provide align with the 40 Developmental Assets of Adolescents which, according to the Search Institute, help students to grow up to be healthy, caring adults who are equipped to handle the 21st Century. Most of the students we serve are in poverty and come from single parent homes with only one income. Our programs help to alleviate some of the stress on their families and allow the kids to learn and grow while having fun. In fact, in our program this summer, we saw 87% of our students maintain or improve their literacy skills; according to research, most of these students would have gone back almost 2 months academically if they had not been in the program.

So here is my challenge to you. On September 11th at Hotel Julien, we will be hosting our annual Legacy of Learning Dinner themed "Red Carpet Masquerade." For $50 a ticket, you will get a great meal, entertainment with a few surprises, a chance to bid on some awesome auction items, and the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference for students in our community. In fact, if you wanted a double challenge, you could even volunteer at the program to see the impact of that one night in effect!

This challenge is ice-free, although if you feel the urge to dump a bucket of ice water on your head, please do so!! Just not in the Hotel Julien. :)


To RSVP, contact:
Jessica Pape
563-582-6211 ext 102
or register online at www.stmarkyouthenrichment.org or on our Facebook page.