School in Sudan goal for fundraiser

A fundraiser on Friday night aimed to provide a village in Sudan with a school and swimming pool.

The Arizona Resource Connection, a student-run nonprofit organization that specializes in providing services to political refugees who have resettled in Tucson, hosted the event, called the the “Give Back Kick Back Fundraiser,” said Kevin McAtamney, a business management junior and one of the organization’s team leaders.

“We help local refugees get on their feet, we’re kind of like a lifeline to help the refugees,” he said.

The event featured live music from local bands, as well as a silent auction and several vendors selling jewelry and clothing.

The event was part of International Education Week, a nationwide initiative focused on preparing American students for participation in a global economy, as well as encouraging international students to study in the U.S.

McAtamney said that the event’s goal was to “raise money as well as raise awareness of what the organization does to benefit Tucson’s growing refugee population.”

Daniel Smith, a marketing junior and marketing event coordinator for the organization, said that the goal was to raise $3,500, adding that it was likely that they would reach their goal.

Smith said that the organization contacted local businesses in order to get sponsorship for the event.

Carin Uriostigue and Michelle Costales, both biology juniors, said they did not know about the event beforehand.

“We just walked over when we heard the music,” Uriostigue said. “We definitely would have come if we knew about it, it seems like a really good cause.”