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SCSU group helping organization
Faculty member, student PR organization helping collect items for charity auction
By Josh Holly/Contributing Writer
For the second year in a row, an SCSU faculty member and student organization will be involved in a charity organization which helps the underprivileged in Kenya and Uganda.
Jessica Hasslen, instructor in Mass Communications, and the SCSU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, have been helping to plan a silent auction for Give Us Wings. The event, planned for Friday, will take place at the historic Landmark Center in St. Paul.
The silent auction will include both African and American buffet-style food. Those attending will be treated to live music, an exciting atmosphere and a presentation on why and how the organization works and exists.
"Attendees will experience an enchanting evening of entertainment that will be hard to forget," said Jessica Hasslen, a committee member of the organization.
Give Us Wings is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the poorest people in Kenya and Uganda. Their mission is to empower African people through educational and financial support, and help them overcome poverty and become self-sufficient.
The organization is hoping that the public will flock to the silent auction in which they will raise money to support the people and their projects in Africa.
Last year
A similar event was held last year at the Landmark Center. The SCSU PRSSA chapter and the Give Us Wings committee were able to solicit a large number of items to be auctioned.
Emcees and co-founders, Mary Steiner-Whalen and daughter Shawn, entertained everyone with their humor and camaraderie. Slides depicting vivid images of the starving poor people in Uganda and Kenya were also used to remind guests of the cause.
Robyne Robinson, the first African-American to anchor a local prime-time newscast, was a guest speaker at the benefit.
With the support from many volunteers, and donations, Give Us Wings was able to raise $12,000 and sent it with a goodwill group to Africa last July.
Like last year, this year's event will feature both food and entertainment. Brenda Weiler, singer/songwriter, and winner of the 2001 Minnesota Music Academy for Best Folk/Acoustic artist will entertain guests while a huge food buffet will feature gourmet hors d'oeuvres of African and American cuisine. Cocktails and a dessert bar will also cater to the evening's atmosphere.
Auction items
Items available for the silent auction will include gift certificates, theater tickets, a one-week stay in Aspen, Twins memorabilia as well as a collection of original artwork from local and African artists.
Generous participants donate everything from the ballroom to the buffet dinner to the auction items. A lot of volunteered time and effort collecting and soliciting donations and creating media interest by PRSSA members contributed to the success of last year's event and will play a big factor in the event this year as well.
Delicious food, live music, an exciting atmosphere and a good cause make the Give Us Wings silent auction a sure success for everyone involved.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Group discounts of five people or more and student discount tickets are $20. Purchase tickets by calling (651) 642-5116 or visit www.giveuswings.org. Event time is 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., Landmark Center, 75 West Fifth Street, St. Paul.
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