UNICEF and Interact unite to raise funds for Mali water
February 24, 2018
While rivalries between clubs on campus are common, Interact and UNICEF are actually working together for their annual Intercef Gala to raise funds for the underprivileged.
Money raised from the semi-formal gala at the Diamond Bar Center on Friday will be donated to Water for Mali, an organization dedicated to providing clean and safe water for children in Mali.
Tickets for the 6 p.m. event on Feb. 23 are $20 presale and $25 at the door.
UNICEF senior co-presidents Josephine Kim and Kevin Lew are collaborating with Interact senior co-presidents Nikita Deng and Larry Chen in organizing the event.
“We’re two clubs on campus that have the same goal and purpose, so we combined our forces to set up this gala to include all students,” Lew said.
Inspired by “The Great Gatsby,” the gala will include musicians and other performers, as well as several activity booths and photo opportunities.
Among the activities provided is a calligraphy booth, where students can make their own bookmarks or calligraphy art.
Italian food will be served at the event, with vegetarian options available as well.
“I can’t give away too much, but we’re planning to have theme-related photobooths and multiple performances for entertainment,” Kim said via Facebook.
Both clubs have been working on preparing the gala since last summer and meet every week to discuss logistics and plan for the event.
Club members, led by the UNICEF and Interact executive board, are split into groups to handle sponsorships, entertainment, food and finance for the gala.
“Every year, we focus on improvement. We want each year to be bigger than the last,” Deng said via Facebook.
The clubs hoped to gain students’ interest by revealing different parts of the gala week by week through social media.
“People can come with their friends and also support a great cause at the same time,” Lew said. “It’s great to have a good time, but it makes you feel good when you know the money has the potential to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.”
