When I created the Facebook event "Sing Africa by Toto on the New Steps at Hendricks Chapel," I had absolutely no idea the amount of buzz it would receive. As I write this (one day before the event), nearly 200 people have decided to attend, and nearly 400 people have expressed interest. My original intent in creating the event was simply to hop on the ever growing band wagon of meme-esque Facebook events and bring it here to Syracuse University. I must admit that this event itself was not an original idea of mine. As many of you may have seen before this, there was a "Sing Africa at the White House" event last week. When I checked the Facebook page for the White House event after it happened (looking for video--obviously), I noticed that their event served another purpose beyond just joining together to sing this sacred hymn.
Before this event, participants and interested Facebookers alike made contributions to "The Water Project," a 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on delivering clean water to areas of crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa. As a group, that Facebook event was able to raise nearly $3,000 for this non-profit. When I saw the amazing impact that these folks were able to have, I couldn't help feeling like I should do my part as well. I somehow was able to make this Facebook even that garnered the attention of hundreds of my peers, and I feel as though I might as well do something good while I have your attention (besides singing this beautiful ballad with you all).
If everyone that was 'going' to this event contributed just a few dollars, we'd be able to hit this amazing fundraising goal so easily. If everyone who was 'interested' or 'going' to this event contributed a few dollars, we could surpass that goal in a heartbeat. If everyone 'interested' or 'going' shared this event/link on their own feed with their own Facebook friends, there's no telling how much we good could do.
If you are reading this, it is likely that you are a student at Syracuse, a prestigious private institution in the United States of America (or you have read this via a connection you have with such a student). Simply being here is such an incredible blessing, and I hope it isn't something you take for granted. In the quotations below, there is a suggested message for me to provide to you that is typical of these fundraisers. I implore you read it, and consider your good fortune in this world. Before we gather to sing this song, it would mean the world to me and so many of others if you would make even a small contribution to those less fortunate--every dollar counts immensely. In doing this, we can all do our part.
Let's bless the rains down in Africa.
-Liam
"I hope you'll consider joining me to fund a water project. With your gifts and your help rallying support, we can provide clean, safe and reliable water to a community in Africa.
Today, too many children suffer needlessly - walking miles for dirty water that makes them sick. You and I can change that. Please make a donation and then help me spread the word."
Donated $10.00 on 10/11/17