WILSON, N.C. — Imagine no clean drinking water, much less clean water for bathing, washing dishes, or cleaning clothes. This is what students of Campus Compassion at Barton College did, and, as a result, they have chosen to reach out to their global neighbors by raising awareness and financial support through the fundraiser, “Wine to Share, Water for All,” planned for Thursday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held in the Bridgestone Americas Atrium of the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre.
Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple and may be purchased by contacting the Reverend Hollie Woodruff, chaplain of the college, at 252-399-6368 or hewoodruff@barton.edu. Proceeds from this event will go directly to Week of Compassion to build additional water wells and provide clean water to those in need.
With 24-hour news cycles, one cannot miss the news reports of Northeast Africa’s worst drought in 60 years. This follows decades of news stories documenting corrupt government, feuding warlords, and repeated famines. Immediate help is needed. Food aid and water are being rushed to the area, and commitments are being made by governments, multinational agencies, and international humanitarian service agencies to offer assistance. And, Barton students are seeking ways to make a difference.
Barton junior Zeb Whitehurst, an intern with Week of Compassion, the relief, refugee and development ministry fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and a member of Barton’s Campus Compassion student organization, shared, “A combination of experiences, from watching documentaries to participating in mission trips, has helped me to realize that the lack of fresh water for many around the world is a serious crisis that we cannot ignore. It’s important to me that I find ways to help educate others about this growing concern and also to help be a part of the solution. For now, that means raising awareness and dollars to help those in need.”
One way Whitehurst and his peers in Campus Compassion at Barton are making a difference is by hosting the fundraiser “Wine to Share, Water for All.” “We are all familiar with the miracle story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding of Cana, but this is our turn to be the miracle” shared Chaplain Woodruff, also advisor for Campus Compassion. “This is a unique way to support water-related develop projects. We hope people will call a friend and plan to join us,” she continued.
Special guests for the evening will include the Reverend Brandon Gilvin, associate director of Week of Compassion and Joe Moran, managing regional director for Church World Service, a Non-Governmental Organization that works to eradicate hunger and poverty.
The wine tasting will feature several selections of wine from Wilson’s own “Grapenuts” wine shop as well as live music and hors d’oeuvres. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about local communities in Africa receiving new wells and clean water systems.
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Questions? Contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.