The Coronado High School Islanders for Quench and Connect Club held a Harvest dinner for 65 guests at the Coronado Yacht Club on Sunday, November 20th. The dinner was well attended by teachers from CHS, the club members families, and residents of Coronado. The students served a pasta buffet dinner, presenting an overview of the purpose of Quench and Connect and providing a historical perspective on recent events in Uganda. Guests were encouraged to buy T-shirts, water bottles, and Bead for Life jewelry and shea butter products to raise money for Gulu College, the high school which will benefit from the proceeds raised. The student’s passion to help Ugandan children was well noted by the attendees. The Coronado students who attended the dinner were in awe of the generous donations received the night of the event and the days that followed leading up to Thanksgiving. All totaled, the CHS students raised over $4,200 from their efforts at the Harvest Dinner.
The Islanders for Quench and Connect Club was started this year by Mary Grace Braun, a junior at CHS, under the guidance of Mr. Brad Couture, Biology Teacher. Over 30 Islanders currently volunteer for Quench and Connect and their goal this year is to raise $8,000 for a bore hole water well for the school in Gulu, Uganda. The students meet every Tuesday during their lunch period in Mr. Couture’s classroom. Dr. Kathryn Ely, the founder and Executive Director of Quench and Connect, a San Diego based 501 (C) (3) non- profit, spoke earlier this month to the freshman Biology classes regarding the science involved in building a well. Mary Grace followed the lecture with an overview of how the Club is working to help schools in Uganda and over 60 students indicated an interest in getting involved.
“It’s exciting to see the club grow and inspire students,” said Braun. “The educational benefits of Islanders for Quench & Connect are influential at CHS,” she continued. “The Gulu Water Well Project offers students a first-hand experience in making an international connection, which fosters global awareness. We are learning about global inequities, water scarcity and security, and civic responsibility,” added Braun.
Including an initial donation Of $1,000 by the Rotary Club of Coronado, the high school students have raised $5,643 to put towards the water well. Anyone interested in donating to Quench and Connect, is encouraged to contact [email protected] or [email protected].
