“I just feel blessed that this is the university in the city of Orange that we get to partner with” said Martha Wade, founder of A Quarter Blue, as she accepted a donation presented by students Rebecca Denny and Caroline Knapp.  “The future is bright because of the professors who are pointing to students and those who are coming into Chapman determined to make a difference.”

Thanks to the Panther Experiential Philanthropy Project (PEPP), students had the opportunity to put their creativity and leadership skills to use in the local community to support organizations that champion for social justice.  “We believe that teaching young people about giving back really empowers them to believe that things are limitless and that anything really is possible” said Alisa Driscoll, Interim Vice President of Community Relations at Chapman and co-founder of the PEPP program.  “With enough support, we really hope to instill that sense of philanthropy into the next generation of leaders in our communities.”

Three courses comprising MLD 679: Nonprofit Leadership, IES 315: Non-governmental Organizations and IES 103: Philosophy of Helping voted on five organizations to support with donations totaling $6,000:

  • Project Kinship, which provides services for the reentry population, to support their KREW Initiative to provide food and school supplies for transitional youth.
  • California Cultural Resources Preservation Alliance (CCRPA), for the Juaneño/Acjacheman Education program so students can learn history from the Native American perspective.
  • A Quarter Blue, which strives to interrupt the cycle of victimization of trauma survivors by enlightening and empowering clients, for counseling and mental health services.
  • Operation Warm Wishes, a food pantry serving the homeless, troubled youths, struggling families, Veterans and senior citizens in need, to support shelter, food and emergency resources.
  • Mariposa Women & Family Center, a counseling center for women and families, to replace items recently lost in a tragic fire, including a childcare items for children whose parents or grandparents are in therapy.

Representatives from each of the selected organizations expressed their gratitude at a virtual ceremony to receive the donations. “From the bottom of my heart, we thank you so much for this opportunity and this platform you have given us” said Tyron Jackson of Operation Warm Wishes.  “Together, we can share love and kindness that makes a difference.”

To view a full list of PEPP grants awarded by Chapman students, please visit the Project’s website.

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