Teen Fundraiser To Benefit Refugees In Darfur

DANBURY — On Thursday, August 23, the Woman Leader’s Rising Club will host a fundraiser to benefit the refugees in Darfur. Called “ESCAPE Tyranny: The Darfur Awareness Project,” the event will feature a Darfur speaker and a silent auction. The program will begin at 7 pm.

“What’s happening in Darfur is a crime against humanity, and we can’t ignore it,” said Andrea Rios, 13, a resident of New Fairfield and member of the club. Woman Leaders Rising is a new class offered for middle and high school girls at ESCAPE to the Arts that focuses on leadership training and service learning.

For the last six weeks the girls have been working hard to put together a fundraiser that will not only raise money for people who desperately need assistance, but will also raise awareness about the suffering that is taking place.

“We are really proud of the hard work these girls have been doing,” said Veronica Swain, coordinator for Woman Leaders Rising. In addition to having a speaker and silent auction, the evening will also include a photo exhibit, a documentary, and performance by a local musician. Child care will be provided. Artwork and crafts created by the students at ESCAPE will also be on sale.

All proceeds will go to the building of a school to benefit the refugees in Darfur. The public is invited.

For additional information contact Veronica Swain, Woman Leaders Rising coordinator, at 203-942-8411 or veronica.swain@yahoo.com or Paula Jackson, community awareness director of The Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut, at 740-3432 extension 211, or PJackson@RegionalYMCA.org.