Judge Memorial CHS club raising money for orphans

Friday, Feb. 17, 2017

SALT LAKE CITY — On Feb. 25, Judge Memorial Catholic High School’s Interact Club will host the school’s annual banquet and fundraiser to benefit the Orphan Relief and Rescue organization, which operates in Benin and Liberia. Orphan Relief and Rescue’s mission is to “fight for justice in populations of children that no one else is serving by combating child trafficking, abuse and needless suffering,” according to their website.

The Interact Club, a service organization, allows students to develop leadership skills, offer service to others, and advance international understanding and goodwill, said Karla Keller, the club advisor.

Every year the Interact Club members choose an organization that will benefit from the fundraiser. Each of the four club officers nominates a candidate. One of these candidates is then chosen through a club-wide vote.  

Ellie Cordova, a senior and the club president, said she was pleased that her choice, Orphan Relief and Rescue, was chosen to benefit from the fundraiser.

“One of my favorite things about [Orphan Relief and Rescue] is that it’s a small organization. It feels like the money goes straight to Africa,” Cordova said. 

She was also pleased that her fellow club members agreed with her, she said. “It’s important to give everyone a say; that way they’re more passionate about it,” Cordova said. 

The Interact Club is already busy getting ready for the banquet and fundraiser,  soliciting teachers and students for help and monetary donations, Cordova said. So far, a couple of students have volunteered to help with the meal preparation, which has been very helpful, she said.

“We’ve got a small club this year,” Cordova said. “We’ll need a lot of support from the community.”

The fundraiser will give the community every chance to support the cause, Cordova said. They will hold a silent auction, with many items up for bid, including movie baskets, gift cards and a painting valued at $500.

The goal for the banquet is to raise $2,000 for Orphan Relief and Rescue, which would provide school supplies, uniforms and shoes for more than 100 orphans in Africa, Cordova said.

The Interact Club is proud and excited to be able to make a difference all the way across the world, Cordova said. For some American students, orphaned kids are more of a far-off idea than real, struggling children, she said. “Especially here at Judge, I feel we are very blessed,” she said. “You hear stories [about orphans] all the time, but here you get to actually something for them.”

WHAT: Fundraiser for Orphan Relief and Rescue

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 25, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: St. Ambrose Parish’s social hall, 1975 South 2300 East, SLC

COST: $26

Purchase tickets online at www.judgememorial.com or at the Judge Memorial CHS Spirit Shop,  650 South 1100 East SLC. For information, call 801-517-2100.