A coffeehouse fund raiser was held in the Connetquot library by Model U.N. to collect money for a women's shelter in India, Thursday January 8, from 3-6 pm. About 70 people attended and Model U.N. Raised $500 including all pizza and bake sales they organized as well as the main event.
Connetquot graduate Amanda Ferrandino contacted Mrs. Fischer, advisor of the Model United Nations club. Matthew Herzfeld, 12th grader and a Model U.N. member in charge said “Amanda Ferrandino came to Mrs. Fischer with the hope of helping suffering women in India. We've been looking for a vehicle to fund her initiative.” The funds collected from the coffeehouse went to the shelter Ms. Ferrandino has traveled to in India. At this shelter 23 dollars a year feeds and clothes a person for a year.
The idea of the coffeehouse came about when Model U.N. had the thought of bringing students together for a cultural experience, representing their club, for a good cause. The club spent around two months planning the event to be a success. The theme was Bohemians in Bohemia and was aimed at setting up a relaxing atmosphere in which to socialize. Tickets were five dollars during a pre-sale and seven dollars at the door. Tickets were bought from Model U.N. Members. All the money went to the women's shelter in India.
The night of the coffeehouse Model U.N. Members finished setting out all the refreshments and Matthew Herzfeld and band began to play as guests arrived. Tables all over the library were set up with table cloths and guests enjoyed a digital art display with pictures supplied by the computer graphics classes. Refreshments included an assortment of baked goods like brownies and biscotti. Beverages included soda, water, tea, hot chocolate and of course coffee.
Before the entertainment began Amanda Ferrandino spoke and shared her story of her travels to India. Some musical performances were scheduled, such as John Fealy singing I'm Your's by Jason Mraz and playing the ukulele, but others were impromptu. Comedy skits included Mike McEleny talking of his experience regarding track and dogs, as well as Kyle Hughes explaining Great Britain's take on history, accent included. Along with live entertainment former students came back to enjoy this event and share their experiences. One former student David Scadutl who was in Model U.N spoke of his time in Israel and how Model U.N opened up his mind to a more global perspective.
After Amanda Ferrandino came back to Connetquot, Mrs. Fischer spoke of how important a student's time at Connetquot is. “Connetquot High School offers a mirror to each student and when they leave CHS they can work miracles with the talents they discover.”, said Mrs. Fischer. Amanda Ferrandino came back to Connetquot and with the help of Model U.N raised money for the suffering women and girls, around high school age, half way around the world.
After graduating from Connetquot in 2005 Amanda Ferrandino attended Pace University in NYC. Through many programs such as Cross Cultural Solutions and Semester at Sea, Amanda got the chance to travel all over the world. Amanda traveled to Spain and Italy with CHS's foriegn language teachers. “Having the opportunity to travel with them, learning to find my way around a place that I didn't know the language, gave me the confidence to try it on my own with out their watchful eye.” says Amanda. During college she also visited Peru, China, Japan, India and many more countries.
After visiting India, Amanda Ferrandino fell in love and went back. The shelter she visited helps girls ages 5-18 who are abused. The shelter, All Bengal Women's Union, gives them a home and educates them. Amanda Ferrandino stayed there for 4 months and developed a sisterly bond with the girls. Amanda did not know very much Bengali and the girls did not know English, but never the less they became sisters. “Every day I saw the pain of these girls, struggling to overcome their violent past. And every day, I saw their endless ability to continue to dance, to smile, and to love.” says Amanda.
The coffeehouse was a great way for students to contribute to such a wonderful cause and at the same time have a fun filled evening. Stay tuned to the morning announcements because Model U.N will be holding another coffeehouse sometime in April.