After deciding that the victims of
Hurricane Sandy would be the charity of their choice, students set out to see
what they could do. One group planned a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, a “pie in
the face” contest and sought out other donations—in all raising more than
$1,100. Another group organized “Soup and Songs for Sandy” raising nearly $250,
and the final group collected aluminum “Cans for a Cause” and will be the
beneficiary of a future La Crosse Tribune
Jeans Day collection.
On Thursday, Dec. 13, Richard Sage,
executive director of the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse will
be presented with a handsome check from Thibodeau’s student servant leaders.
The new awareness the
charitable endeavors has created amongst the classmates has been transformational. Much like the biblical stories,
students have discovered their “hidden talents,” in the process of raising
money for a good cause.
“This class has been a lot of fun
and is definitely one of my favorites,” said Breanna Paughman, an organizer of the silent auction. “I’m in my
fourth year and this has been one of the first charitable efforts I’ve been
involved in. I’m really impressed with the generosity of people. Sometimes you
just have to ask.”
Jennifer Fischer, a sophomore,
echoed the sentiment. “This (the silent auction) has been one of the first fundraisers
I’ve been involved in and it’s very rewarding to see what we have been able to
do.” The $20 seed money was used to purchase a receipt book and for photocopying auction bid forms.
For Thibodeau, the reward is seeing
the “lights go on” with students when they realize the good feeling and
empowerment that goes with serving others. “This is all about helping students
recognize they have talents and if they use them for a good charitable purpose,
it becomes very empowering,” he said. “I love seeing these students and how they
are growing in competence and confidence.”
|