Arts
13 students go back to the 20s’ to launch a fundraiser
It’s a common occurrence for people to view those less fortunate than themselves with compassion and empathy. What is not common though is for people to act on their feelings and actually do something to help the less fortunate.
These 13 students currently in Sri Lanka for their summer break from studies overseas and completing internships at three multinational companies in the island are doing just that. They have decided to organise a fundraiser, ‘The Roaring 20’s Gala’, in aid of ‘Without Borders’ – an organisation which focuses on a sustainable and empowering model of assisting communities to reach their untapped potential.
Without Borders creates ‘Idea Labs’ by converting old community spaces into learning centres where students are able to follow a homegrown curriculum to develop essential skills in areas such as English language and digital literacy. The Roaring 20’s Gala aims to raise Rs. 1 million for Without Borders in order for them to launch nine Idea Labs which would impact the lives of 900 children.
The Gala will be organised as a 1920’s themed cocktail party which aims to bring 150 professionals together for an evening of networking and entertainment. This event will see the popular band ‘Flame’ provide the main entertainment with guest performances by artists such as Lara Modder and ‘Q’ while also featuring a fashion show and a silent auction.
Sounds like a difficult task for 13 students aged between 18-22 to execute within six weeks? Avishka Mendis agrees. However, he feels that the experience has also been gratifying. His team echoes his sentiments. Lakitha Wegapitiya (22) feels that it has been a great learning experience, while Shashanka Gomez (20) feels that the experience has helped them find untapped potential within themselves, which will help others reach their untapped potential.
The team is excited and determined to succeed in organising this fundraiser and their thoughts can be expressed through the words of Kavi Kiriella (22), who says that it’s incredible to know that together they and their donors can have a great impact on young people. The team hopes to work out a plan in order to continue to help the less fortunate through other initiatives in the future.
‘The Roaring 20’s Gala’ will be held on August 10 at the Water’s Edge from 7.30 p.m. onwards. The organisers invite people to put on their best 1920’s costume and join them .
Entrance to the event is Rs. 4000 and invites can be reserved by calling Kavi on 0779128779. Donations can be made by calling Lakitha on 0778901713. ‘Without Borders can be contacted via their website http://www.withoutborderslk.org/.