Volunteers Against Violence

10/29/2013 3:04 PM

Five Bradley University MBA students spent October 20 volunteering at a Chicago fundraiser for domestic abuse victims.  The students, also member’s of Bradley’s CARE (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere) chapter, served as course marshals for the annual Stride Against Violence 5K.

“We had a great group of very caring people who were willing to sacrifice their comfort to volunteer for a great cause,” said CARE President Safura Sultana. “Oftentimes, MBA students don’t receive credit for their philanthropic involvement, but this truly shows that given the opportunity we have many students who care about humanitarian needs and are willing to give back to our communities. I’m glad CARE is able to contribute to the humanitarian awareness on campus and provide students with potential volunteering opportunities.”

Fellow students Peter Gombos, Dom Zahorjan, T.J. Maestranzi and Hermengarda Patino joined sultana.

As course marshals, the five directed and encouraged more than 400 runners who participated in the race, which raised more than $37,000 for Apna Ghar (“Our Home”).  Apna Ghar is a domestic violence shelter for immigrant women and children in the Chicago area.

“It especially felt good when many of the runners would thank us for volunteering, and of course Apna Ghar members thanked us for being there,” Sultana said. “All of the volunteers want to go back next year and some actually want to run at the event! It was definitely a fun day and worth the effort of waking up at 3 a.m.!”

CARE is a national student organization that addresses global poverty and social justice concerns.