When Isabella Saravi was assigned a semester-long project to raise money for a charity of her choice, she knew that she wanted to pick a cause that she felt was truly impactful.
YWCA, an organization that works to support families and victims of domestic abuse, immediately stuck out to her. Now, she and three other students — Kendal Ketron, Jazmin Ventura and Jerome Carvin — are actively planning a fundraiser called “Funding for Futures.” This fundraiser begins accepting donations for YWCA on Oct. 23.
When deciding which organization to raise money for, Saravi was particularly intrigued by the way in which YWCA assists women in empowering them to distance themselves from dangerous relationships.
“I just really like the fact that it helps women who are in really hard relationships escape from it,” Saravi said. “It helps families out; I just really like their whole message.”
Over the past several weeks, the four students have been coordinating with YWCA to determine where their assistance was most needed. YWCA directed the students to the Phyllis Wheatley Center, a branch of the organization located in northeast Knoxville that provides shelter and after-school care for underprivileged children.
The Phyllis Wheatley Center teaches children how to read and write, and the teachers at the center are available to help tutor children who need academic assistance but may not have supportive parents. Additionally, the center provides meals and sports equipment to help children remain active and healthy.
Ketron emphasized the importance of the center’s work and support in the lives of East Knoxville children.
“[The children] just don’t have very good home lives, so the Phyllis Wheatley Center gives them a place to go after school and get the support and mentorship that they need,” Ketron said.
The four students have worked closely with Ally Johnson, the Phyllis Wheatley Center’s coordinator, to organize fundraising efforts and determine what items are most needed at the center. The students hope to provide new sports equipment, new books and food for the facility.
The students also had the chance to go out to the center and meet the children they are fundraising for. Carvin, a UT football player, even played basketball with the children.
Ketron also hopes that in addition to providing the center with supplies, the fundraiser well help support the hard-working employees at the center.
“I feel like they probably don’t get the money that they deserve because they obviously do awesome work,” Ketron said.
Additionally, Saravi explained that through the fundraising preparation process, she has become very passionate about helping the children at the Phyllis Wheatley center, and she even plans to volunteer for YWCA after her project is completed.
“Even though it’s part school, I’ve actually really enjoyed doing this. It’s actually something I look forward to doing. I enjoy raising money for them, all the children there. It’s just really nice to help make a difference in their lives, so it’s actually something I’ve grown to really love doing,” Saravi said.
Beginning Oct. 23, the fundraiser will be live and accepting donations on its Indiegogo page, which is entitled “Funding for Futures.” The group is hoping to raise $1,000 for the Phyllis Wheatley Center, and the first several donors will be able to claim “perks” donated by Lizard Thicket and Bliss Home. The fundraiser will be accepting donations through Dec. 4, the last day of classes at UT.
