Seeking to raise at least $10,000, a Boston University student group has committed itself to an aggressive fundraising campaign to help pay for a heart transplant for a yet-unchosen child.
The group, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Rotaract Club, is working closely with several local clubs and the organization Gift of Life International to the life-saving surgery.
Hoping to arrive at this mark by December 2006, Rotaract Club president Neha Patel said events include bake sales, a rose sale, a film screening and an authentic Chinese paper cutting sale.
“Aside from BU fundraising events, our members have written over 200 letters to local corporations asking for donations,” the Sargent junior said. “We’ve also been approached about matching grants which would double our [fundraising].”
Founder and club advisor Karen Jacobs, also a member of a local Rotary club, said she has been contacted by an anonymous donor who said he or she will double the group’s fund once they reach the $2,500 mark.
“We’re also getting support from members of the Brookline Rotary Club,” the clinical occupational therapist professor said. “It’s all very tremendous.”
Once the club reaches major donor standing, they will have the opportunity to become personally involved in the child’s journey through surgery, which may or may not take place in the United States. Patel said the operation will happen in a location which is most convenient and beneficial for the child and the heart complication. This may be in an area near the country that will have a Gift of Life participating hospital.
“We don’t choose,” she said. “But if the child does come to the Boston area for surgery, than we’ll definitely be involved in helping the family settle down and find a host family.”
Patel, who said she had wanted to pursue this initiative since high school, said she presented the idea to BU Rotaract members last spring, and during the summer she did Internet research to find the right contacts. She then got in touch with Ted Shaughnessy, the New England Chapter president for Gift of Life.
Patel said members have been enthusiastic about the project and its possibilities since the beginning.
Apart from working with Gift of Life, Jacobs said the club is involved in another international project. The Chinese paper cutting sale will not only help the Gift of Life fund, but four Chinese workers she met during a visit to China in the fall of 2005. The workers suffer from physical formalities to their hands and legs.
In addition to, authentic paper designs Jacobs brought back to the States, she said the group fashioned a special terrier-shaped design for students.
“These are intricate and traditional one-of-a-kind handmade pieces,” she said. “Not only are we the first club they are working with, but since we’re sharing our profits with both causes, it’s really a win-win for everyone.”
The Rotaract Club is the college level of Rotary International, a worldwide organization that provides humanitarian service. According to their website, approximately 1.2 million individuals are members to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs located in 167 countries.
Members of the BU community said they are impressed with the club’s efforts to take an international approach at community service.
“They planned the whole thing,” Sargent Public Relations Associate Pamela Powell said. “It is such a great cause.
Jacobs said she is looking forward to a successful project.
“I think what will make this all work is the fact that we have a very enthusiastic and committed e-board and members,” Jacobs said. “They have a spirit to do very special things.”
Some students said they are impressed with the club and hope other BU students will be encouraged to get involved.
“It’s great that people are working so hard to do something like this,” College of Communication sophomore Grace deVuono said. “People at BU may not realize that things like this need to be done.”
Other students said they enjoy seeing work like this take place in an atmosphere where students may get caught up in their own lives.
“It’s very admirable to reach out to the international community,” School of Management junior Michele Demko said. “Projects like this allow BU students the opportunity to think outside of school and work and to really try to make a difference.”