SJC Brooklyn students threw a charitable Halloween party last week, raising more than $1,000 for the Guild for Exceptional Children (GEC).
SJC Brooklyn students sell raffles to benefit the Guild for Exceptional Children.
The Child Study, Speech and Kappa Delta Pi clubs teamed together to plan the dance, benefitting the GEC, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that offers schooling and other services for children and adults with disabilities. The clubs sold raffle tickets, transformed Tuohy Hall with Halloween decorations, played music for guests, and offered food and seasonal activities and crafts for the guests.
Child Study Club President Lori Mangone said the GEC dance is her favorite event of the year.
“It is something we — as a College — and the members of the Guild for Exceptional Children, look forward to every semester,” said Mangone, a junior child study major. “Everybody has an amazing time. There is a lot of of dancing, laughter and smiles from all who attend.”
She continued: “It was such a great feeling to see the GEC members in their amazing costumes dancing the night away and having a blast. Every semester, the dance never fails to be a huge success. I love to see everyone at St. Joseph’s and the GEC come together and enjoy themselves.”
It Takes a Village
Leading up to the event, Mangone and her peers reached out to SJC Brooklyn clubs, students, faculty and local businesses, seeking donations for raffle prizes. Some gave raffle prizes, while others offered monetary donations for the GEC.
SJC Brooklyn students host the GEC dance annually. Each year has a different seasonal theme — past years have offered a Valentine’s Day dance, fall festival and a spring fling.
“My freshman year was the first time I volunteered at one, and I immediately loved them and knew I had to get involved,” Mangone said. “The GEC is a wonderful organization, and we love being able to raise money and donate it to them.”
