Facilities’ Fundraiser Collects Record Amount for CCS’s Local Organizations

By
Office of the Executive Vice President
April 23, 2009

Facilities team members and community organizations gathered on April 23 in Wien Hall to enjoy food, fun, and an opportunity to raise funds for Columbia Community Service (CCS). Organized by Columbia University Facilities' Residential Operations unit, the annual event gave attendees the opportunity to purchase admission tickets for the chance to take home a Sony camcorder, IPOD Touch, or American Express Gift Card, among other prizes donated by members of Facilities. Over $1,800 was raised, a record amount for the Facilities event. The proceeds were donated to CCS for distribution to local organizations, including soup kitchens and after-school programs.

Representatives from the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) and Wendy Hilliard Foundation discussed their organization's goals and explained ways in which CCS's funds will help them. The WSCAH serves meals to customers in a respectful, supermarket-style food pantry. In addition, a counseling team is on board to help customers achieve self-sufficiency by linking them to available services, including food stamps, health insurance, and job training. Donations to WSCAH will help strengthen counseling services and make strides towards ending hunger permanently.

Founded in 1996 by Hall of Fame rhythmic gymnast, Wendy Hilliard, the Wendy Hilliard Foundation provides gymnastics classes, a competitive rhythmic gymnastics team, and annual girls and women sports clinics, as well as classes for seniors and persons with special needs. As the first African-American to represent the U.S. in rhythmic gymnastics, Wendy Hilliard's goal was to create a program that provided an opportunity for more minorities to experience her sport. The Foundation caters to people of all ages and abilities. Donations to the Foundation will help support programs and provide scholarships for students.

Since its inception in 1946, Columbia Community Service (CCS) has helped countless people in the Columbia area. Facilities Assistant Vice President of Residential Operation Mark Kerman is the organization's current president. CCS is a voluntary organization, and no portion of its contributions is used for administrative costs or salaries. If you would like to donate to CCS, please visit http://communityservice.columbia.edu/

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