An evening of faith, fellowship, and fundraising
Photo courtesy of @geneseoivcf on Instagram/edited by photo editor Cassandra Cramer
Last Saturday, Feb. 21, the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship chapter at SUNY Geneseo hosted a fundraising event to help raise awareness about sexual and domestic abuse. Approximately 25 participants gathered in the Hunt Room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. where they opened with a prayer, listened to worship music, and engaged with various crafts and activities. The entry fee was 10 dollars with all proceeds going to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), the largest nonprofit anti-sexual assault organization in the United States. RAINN works to prevent sexual assault, help survivors, bring perpetrators to justice, provide public education, and shape policy. As part of a tradition of supporting such organizations, InterVarsity aims to stand in solidarity with victims and contribute to efforts that promote healing and prevention.
The tone was reflective and relaxing as InterVarsity members and students alike united to support a worthy cause. With the burden of academics, this fundraiser brought laughter and conversation as a way to wrap up another Saturday. Chapter leaders were present to answer questions about the organization and introduce new students to the community while helping attendees understand the broader impact of their participation. With the plethora of hands-on activities, the event reinforced that fostering community and care was another signature objective, and not just raising money. While the event itself was light and welcoming to all, its purpose carried significant weight, proving that student organizations, with a little creativity, can strive to make a difference.
Ella Simonelli, a freshman biology major, expressed her thoughts, stating, “I think that getting a bunch of Christians together to color, listen to worship music, make bracelets and eat food is a really good way to connect with everyone and support RAINN.” Simonelli was one of nearly two dozen students who found grace in designing bracelets and expressing themselves creatively with the various crafts offered. Alex Seney, a junior English major with a creative writing concentration, who has been with InterVarsity for two years, also shared his thoughts on the event: “I wanted to support my InterVarsity brothers and sisters and help fundraise for sexual assault awareness. As a Christian community, we are making a change in the lives of those who need it most.”
Fundraisers such as this are hosted once a month by InterVarsity and are part of a myriad of events that the organization holds on campus. Such examples include weekly Bible studies on Mondays, Fellowship Fridays which feature music and group prayer, dinner banquets, retreats to Christian camps in the Adirondacks, and separate Bible studies for men and women. For new students such as Simonelli, InterVarsity serves as an avenue to be a part of a community whilst being part of something bigger, commenting, “I really wanted to join a Christian club and after doing some research, I came across InterVarsity.”
When asked about the club’s impact, Simonelli responded that InterVarsity “has furthered my relationship with Christ because you are around such good, faithful people and it really makes an impact on who you surround yourself with.” After being asked the same question, Seney stated that InterVarsity is “a community where I can grow in faith and be seen by others.”
Saturday’s event saw the arrival of four students interested in joining the organization, which serves the club’s goal of expanding its presence on campus and adding new members. Seney commented on this goal and continued our conversation by adding that “InterVarsity is accepting of anyone’s beliefs, values, and lifestyle. They are very welcoming and willing to bring the light to all those who seek it out.” Simonelli agreed, replying, “InterVarsity is a great opportunity to do things with such kind people, create friendships, and worship the Lord.”
At the event’s conclusion, participants walked away with the knowledge that their donations contributed to meaningful change, proving that small acts can support a powerful mission. At its core, moments like this serve InterVarsity’s objective: building community while living out faith in action. For students interested in joining, Seney recommended attending the weekly Bible studies, which are held every Monday in room 330 at the MacVittie College Union (MCU) at 6 p.m.