CHICAGO- After some of the members from the Saint Xavier women's cross country and track teams returned from their service trips in 2009, they decided to create an organization together called L.O.V.E (Love Of Valuing Everyone). Their mission was to reach out in love to populations less fortunate and to encourage others to do the same. Lauren Dentzman, Dana Eppley, and Barb Roman were the founders of the organization. This organization hosts different types of fundraising events to donate to those less fortunate.
"We were trying to think of all different ways to fundraise and we thought that a party would be fun for everyone and that people would get something in return for their donation" noted Dentzman. "We decided to have a LOVE party at my house. This event was meant to promote poverty awareness and to raise money to help support an impoverished family that we had met in Belize. We invited family and friends and had around 100 people attend the party. My friends played music (guitar and piano, and some sang) and everyone brought food and drink to share. We had a bonfire and a really fun night! We were able to raise $730 to help the family in need!"
Lauren and Dana also had a few garage sales during the summer to help raise even more money. Lauren also held a Bread for Life party at her house in December. "Bead for Life is an organization that connects people across the world. Women in Uganda make beautiful handcrafted beads from colorful recycled paper and turn them into necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. They also gather shea nuts and press them into shea butter for lip balm and soaps. Concerned world citizens can apply to have a party at their home and invite friends and family to buy the products. The beads and shea butter become income, food, medicine, school fees, and hope. As Bead for Life puts it, 'It is a small miracle that enriches us all.' We had a really nice evening at my house with food and music. With the support of my loved ones, we were able to raise over $1,100 for this great cause."
Dentzman and Roman are still involved in service organizations at Saint Xavier and strive to create poverty awareness at school. They host different events including a Hunger Banquet, that has different demonstrations and video clips that they share with the participants.
Click Here for information on the Saint Xavier women's cross country team.
Click Here for information on the Saint Xavier women's cross country team.