Students to Fund School for AIDS Orphans

Thirty students in a marketing class are hoping to use what they’ve learned this semester to raise money to fund a school for AIDS orphans in South Africa. The second annual charity auction will benefit Bridges of Hope International and will be held Friday, April 20, at 7 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.

Bridges of Hope, a social-action ministry founded by Community Covenant Church in Goleta, works to create long-term, self-sustaining solutions to the battle against AIDS in Africa.

“We chose Bridges of Hope partly because of the local connection,” says senior Jeff Thompson, an economics and business major, “But also because of the great need in South Africa.”

Last year, Assistant Professor of Business Carter Crockett’s marketing class raised more than $20,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Tri-Counties and the family of Alyssa Smelley. The class was able to help grant Alyssa’s wish to go to Disneyland with her closest family and friends. Sadly, the 15-year-old died of an inoperable brain tumor last July.

“This is really a celebration of successful community development,” says Crockett. “All the evening’s profits will go toward building a school for AIDS orphans in South Africa.”

Some of the auction items include: premium Dodgers and Angels tickets, sailing and kayak expeditions, local restaurant gift certificates, paintings and artwork, professional photo portrait sittings, spa treatment packages and vacation lodging.

Bridges of Hope reports that more than five million South Africans are HIV-positive, leaving more than 150,000 orphans each year.

Appetizers and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Credit cards and checks will be accepted. For more information call Professor Crockett at (805) 565-6182 or bohauction@gmail.com.