River Jumping: An Innovative Way to Fundraise

Yes, the title says it all.  In Gaming, nothing is “normal” which is part of what makes it so unique but also so challenging. So, when one tries to fundraise here, one can’t think normal.  You sort of just have to “think outside the box.”

One of the questions that came up at the end of this semester was how to raise money from poor college students at the end of their study abroad semester to feed the poor through the amazing organization Mary's Meals?

Raising money….college students….aren’t the two polar opposites? 

So one might think?

But, innovation always seeks new boundaries and new ways of solving problems, and indeed, it did not fail to come up with something out of the ordinary.

The idea was to raise money by auctioning off faculty and staff to jump into the freezing cold Mitterbach River here in Gaming. 

It worked, plain and simple: watch your professor, priest, or staff member jump into the river and feed starving children at the same time---why not? 

Fr. Seraphim, T.O.R said he would jump if Professor Andy Minto raised the most money.  Now it became a two for one deal.  Then the chaplain, Fr. Brad Lepage, T.O.R. said he would jump if a thousand euros was raised.  The snowball turned quickly into an avalanche.

To his surprise, the 1,000 euros was raised!

Watch the video made by Prof. Andy Minto’s wife, Pam which she posted to Youtube: YouTube Mary's Meals Jump in Gaming

It’s a great show for a great cause.  For all readers, at least check out Mary’s Meals and see how you can help.  In short, for only 10 euros or $14, one can feed a child for a year!  Yes, a year!!