Student Members of Anna Maria College’s Global Business Club Give Back
In 2010, Haiti was struck by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that took the lives of about 300,000 people, including 19-year old Britney Gengel who grew up in nearby Rutland, MA. In her memory, Britney’s parents, Leonard and Cherylann Gengel, established the Be Life Brit Foundation to help the children of Haiti.
At the Worcester Red Sox game on September 12, members of the Anna Maria College Global Business Club partnered with the Be Like Brit Foundation at Polar Park to raise funds to support the Foundation’s efforts. Haiti suffered another major earthquake in August. Fortunately, the Be Life Brit orphanage and its occupants were unharmed by this recent disaster.
Participating students from the Global Business Club included:
Mark Seigel (New York)
Sam Cyr-LeDoux (Montreal, Canada)
Jorge Magin Gomez (Paraguay)
Daniele Iaboni (Toronto, Canada)
Lucrecia Acosta Larrama (Uruguay)
Patrik Peltola (Finland)
Sophie Scoffini (Brazil)
Riley Cote (Massachusetts)
Jessy Eugene (Haiti)
Cece Fitzgerald (Massachusetts)
Linda Marie Nolin, Anna Maria College Faculty Advisor
When asked about their Be Like Brit volunteering experience, students shared the following comments.
“I had a wonderful experience volunteering for the “Be Like Brit” Foundation! The story of Brit was very touching and honoring her memory by continuing her work was fulfilling.” – Patrik Peltola (Finland)
“I really enjoyed my volunteer experience at the Woo Sox game. It was amazing to be able to support such an important cause and be a part of something bigger than myself. Not only did I get to experience working in a service setting, but I also got to serve the global community with teammates from around the world.” – Daniele Iaboni (Toronto, Canada)
“I really enjoyed my volunteer experience at the Woo Sox game. It was amazing to be able to support such an important cause and be a part of something bigger than myself. Not only did I get to experience working in a service setting, but I also got to serve the global community with teammates from around the world.” – Mark Siegel (New York)
“On Sunday, September 12th, I was counted among a group of students who volunteered at Polar Park to support the Be Like Brit Foundation. I really enjoyed being able to help and my experience was unforgettable. Hearing Brit’s story told to us by her mom was heart breaking. The fact that they have created an orphanage for 33 girls and 33 boys in Haiti made me want to do more to help this most worthy foundation. The fact that this mom could take such a tragedy and continue to be so compassionate and giving to others is amazing, powerful and priceless.” – Jessy Kamaya Eugene (Haiti)
When I learned about the “Be Like Brit” Foundation, I immediately gravitated towards her story. Brit, who lost her life doing selfless actions for the less fortunate, inspired me. It made me want to do my part and volunteer for something that is bigger than I am, and doing as a team of selfless community leaders was humbling. It left me eager to do more volunteering.” – Sam Cyr-Ledoux (Montreal, Canada)
About Anna Maria College’s Global Business Club
The mission of the Anna Maria College Global Business Club is to create and mentor ethical leaders who will inspire and provide service to the community. Opportunities to educate and create valuable business content will be provided for all students at Anna Maria College. Experiential endeavors will include: guest lectures, research projects, student mentorship initiatives, competitive exercises, and the production and creation of digital materials.