Chris: Community Support for the Refugee Center


For the past two weeks, one of my main jobs at the Refugee Center has been to sell raffle tickets. Each ticket costs $2 and the proceeds of the raffle support ECIRMAC by paying for phone lines and other utilities. I have been absolutely astounded by the number of people willing to partake in the raffle. We have probably sold over $400 worth of tickets already. Most people buy about $20 worth of tickets, even though the prizes (a cordless iron and toaster oven) probably only cost $100 total. I have not been rejected by a single person when trying to sell them raffle tickets. This whole process has shown me how much the community cares about the Refugee Center. It appears that the citizens of Champaign-Urbana really appreciate the services that ECIRMAC provides, and that makes me happy. The last fund-raising project was an enormous success as well- about two weeks ago, ECIRMAC held a dinner with live music and entertainment. According to the newspaper, over 300 people attended the event and the hosts had to scramble to find additional tables because so many people bought tickets at the door. It feels good to work at a place that is having a positive effect on so many people.

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