It is a Spring Arbor University (SAU) tradition to participate in outreach trips over Spring Break, and that time is nearing yet again. The trips range from exotic destinations, such as Puerto Rico and Panama City, to as near to home as Jackson and Hamtramck in Detroit. Various venues and groups offer students and faculty a chance for exciting new experiences.
When discussing trips and outreaches such as these, the question arises – how will students pay for this? Most of the groups’ funds are gleaned from friends and family through letter writing campaigns. Anna Wilkinson, a leader for the Puerto Rico trip, said that of $15,000 in expenses about $13,000 was taken in as a result of the recipients of letters sent by members of the team.
However, that still leaves $2,000 in expenses to be covered by poor college students! Enter the fundraisers. These trips have decided to hold fundraisers ranging from Krispy Kreme doughnuts to a “date auction” night.
Not all events and plans for fundraisers have been finalized yet, but there will be sales of carnations and caramel corn to benefit Ecuador. The Puerto Rico trip will sponsor a thrift store, with all items costing only a dollar, on Feb. 21 as well as a “date auction” on March 21.
Valentine’s Day presents some unique opportunities for the teams, so look for carnation sales, deliverable to your sweetheart’s door room and bottles of Crush to help you show your true feelings.
Finally, all teams come together for one massive fundraiser on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 9 p.m. at an event called Missions Marketplace, which is an Open Mic Night as well. There are fliers in place for the evening, an event now in its eleventh year. There will be free coffee as well as other items for sale.
The unique offerings seen here present many opportunities for an evening. The event is coupled with an open mic night, but all the missions teams will be present and selling items to benefit their trip, including massages, smoothies, coke floats, t-shirt scarves and many more unique items.
The Missions Marketplace provides not only a fundraising opportunity for the teams, but Bobby Pratt, Assistant Dean of Students, said, “It’s a good team building thing. It helps the teams work together before they go.” So come support your missions teams and enjoy the evening.
