GET INVOLVED

Contributions ignite “Spark for ARC” fundraising effort.

The largest fundraising attempt ever mounted by the College’s BBA+ Weekend students in the Business in Society class recently drew to an astonishingly successful conclusion. Through a series of events—raffles, lunches, flea markets, and more—as well as donations, BBA+ Weekend Cohort 19 surpassed its ambitious $20,000 goal, reaching a total of nearly $27,000.

The money—destined for “Spark for ARC” (Association for Retarded Citizens of South Florida)—will provide disabled children with specialized computer equipment to improve their educational and developmental chances. The units, including special software, have been designed to meet all the needs of these young learners, providing touch screens, a small mouse, and special sight, sound, control, and durability features.

“A number of donors qualified at various sponsorship levels from $250 up to $2,000 or more,” said Ana Lorenzo, who along with Melanie G. Barnick, served as project leader. “We are incredibly grateful to all the companies and individuals who supported this effort.”

“We have seen repeatedly in this program what can be achieved when we join hands in a noble cause,” said Donald Roomes, director of the BBA+ program. “I congratulate Cohort 19 for putting this together, and want to underscore their thanks to all the other cohorts who helped to make this happen.”

The equipment was installed before a special ceremony which took place on December 15, 2005 at ARC of South Florida.

“Spark for ARC” is part of Project Thrive (Infant & Toddler Stimulation Program) of ARC. The Business in Society course, as well as the College of Business Administration’s Civic Engagement Initiative, requires students to participate in community projects to ensure that they will prepared to be socially conscious business people.