With a mission to better the lives of children around the world, Ambassadors For Children (AFC) prepares for its second annual "Dancing for a Change" fundraiser from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 28 in Shriver's Multipurpose Room.
The event is a 4-hour dance extravaganza focusing on the dance techniques of merengue, ballroom, swing and hip-hop. Each hour will start with a 15-minute dance lesson on a specific type of dance, and then the floor will open for free dance, according to AFC President Jaime Hartman.
"We're going to have an instructor for each type of dance, and he or she will help participants learn the steps and become familiar with the music," said Sandra de Irala, co-chair for the event. "The event is going to cost $3 per hour, and people can come in and out all day. Last year, we had about 100 people throughout the day, so we're hoping to exceed that."
The event aims to bring together the music and dances of different countries with students on campus, according to Hartman. Not only will the event allow students to experience different cultures, but the proceeds will benefit AFC's international projects, such as creating a library in a Malawi school and completing renovations for a Columbian school.
"We wanted to bring together the different places where we have projects, so that students could experience what some of our ambassadors have already experienced," Hartman said. "This event will be a great way to learn about different cultures and how to dance, and all the proceeds go to some great projects. Students who participate will be making a great difference for kids in Columbia and Malawi."
Not only will the event have dancing, but there will also be pictures, artifacts and information set up so that students can learn more about AFC, its initiative and get a feel for the work AFC does around the world, according to de Irala.
The door fee goes directly to the project fund, but during the event, AFC members will also be collecting supplementary donations and will be taking membership forms and dues for those interested in joining, de Irala said.
"Anyone and everyone is encouraged to come," Allie Grace, co-chair for the event, said. "We really hope that people will join us for this event, because the money goes to such a great cause. Sometimes we forget how lucky we are to be in college and have an education, but for kids around the world they are not given this opportunity."
AFC's initiative to better the lives of children goes further than just raising money. The 3-year-old student organization takes two to three trips each year to different sites around the world, including Columbia and Malawi, according to Hartman.
Also, AFC works with a group home in Fairfield, where students help teens by planning activities, tutoring and acting as role models, according to Hartman.
By supporting "Dancing for a Change," Grace said AFC hopes students will not only experience dance techniques from around the world, but they will be inspired to further help brighten the futures of children.
