An Evening for the Stars!

Two weeks ago, a dream became a reality. Dr. Klingler's Social Entrepreneuship class had come up with the idea of "An Evening for the Stars" last spring -- a benefit dinner, hosted at Villanova, for our Starfish Scholars. Lo and behold, one year later, it was a major success!

The event was incredible. People came from far and wide -- some even traveling from Connecticut and New Jersey! In total, there were about 40 guests in attendance, plus the wonderful Business Without Borders (BWB) team, who staffed the event.

Highlights of the night included:

A beautiful table of raffle prizes, including a purse donated by Profugo, and incredible silent auction items, like picture frames (handmade by Kaitlyn Dormer, a BWB member and co-organizer of An Evening for the Stars), Ecuadorian crafts and photos of our Scholars.

The a cappella performance by Minor Problem -- and the "outstanding" cheer from some HOBY volunteers!

Martin Garcia's speech -- Martin was Starfish's first volunteer intern in Ecuador, and his words eloquently described how much of an impact the Starfish Scholars have on his life.

The extraordinary array of food, including beans and rice and fried plantains -- so Ecuadorian!

So many of our supporters coming together -- Jenn's and Beth's family, Dr. Klingler and Dr. Arvanites from VSB, past and present BWB members (including BWB co-founder and Starfish Accountant Dave Grady and current BWB president Danny Newell), HOBY friends, Villanova alum and more.


In total, we raised:

• $1,641.50 from ticket sales
• $1,190 from the silent auction
• $270 from the raffle
• $3,320 from other donations

Overall, that's $6,421.50! This doesn't include a few expenses that we are still reconciling, but overall, the event was a huge success in both 'fund-raising' and 'friend-raising.'

We owe a huge thank you to quite a few people.

Firstly, gracias to Kaitlyn Dormer and Erin Digan, who organized the entire event. From soliciting donations at the Villanova Print Center to negiotiating with the great staff at Dining Services, they worked their charm around VU to have the greatest impact possible for the Scholars. Kaitlyn's graphic design skills are impressive, and their ideas to make recycled craft centerpieces was truly a hit. We cannot thank you both enough!

Additionally, we'd like to thank Dr. Jim Klingler (pictured here, with wife) and Dr. Deb Arvanites (not pictured) and for their generous advice, support and enthusiasm for Starfish.

To Business Without Borders, we are so grateful for your constant energy for Starfish projects.

VU Dining Services did a fantastic job at catering the event, Minor Problem provided excellent entertainment, the DJ provided great music, and VU Print Center made the materials possible.

Our most heartfelt gratitude to Martin Garcia, for the ripple effect he's created at Villanova for Starfish. We're impressed by you, Martin, and we are so happy to have you as a part of the Starfish family.

Last, but certainly not least, we thank our families for all the support and assistance with this project. It was great to have you be a part of this event, and we couldn't do Starfish without your support!

Gracias a todos, por todo.
Con carino,
Beth and Jenn