Hunterdon Central Seniors Plan Darfur Fundraiser

By Andrea Lorenzo 

Eight Hunterdon Central seniors hope to hold a June benefit to aid the victims of the ethnic war in Darfur in downtown Flemington.

Since February 2003, Darfur, Sudan has been involved in a fatal conflict. In a war underscored by limited natural resources, pro-government Arab militias have attacked Darfur’s black African people in defiance of their human rights. More than 400,000 civilians have been killed and 2.5 million people have been displaced into camps.

Jillian Ciarlariello, Tony Blekicki, Kirsten Russiard, Brittany Kiley, Marcos Piccio, Sarah Lundy, Alexa Creter, and Brynn Fitzgerald devised the benefit to help raise money for victims of the violence.

“I was inspired during the summer when I read an article in the paper about Africa,” said Ciarlariello. “I feel that even though I can’t be there, I need to help. People need us, and I feel that this could help jumpstart a world of people who want to act. I want to give people the chance to help others out, because we can.”

“The benefit is going to be a big fundraiser,” Ciarlariello says, “We will have people there selling art, crafts, deserts and food. Our main attraction will be some local bands and performances. We will also be having some guest speakers there to talk about Darfur.” Luca’s Ristorante of Flemington will cater the event.

Guests can donate to the benefit by purchasing items sold at the event. Ciarlariello says there will also be a donation booth. “Every person that gives a donation of $5 or more will receive a ‘Save Darfur’ bracelet,” she says, “They can write checks or give cash. We have a bank account specifically for donations.”

The actual date and location of the benefit has not been determined yet. Plans for a May fundraiser fell through for insurance reasons. Ciarlariello says, “We’re hoping it will be held sometime in June at Turntable Junction off Church Street in Flemington. Rachel Carhart, owner of The Ice Cream Parlor in Turntable Junction, is working hard to find us a good space.”

The Sudanese government and the Arab militias create barriers for humanitarian assistance. Through arbitrary arrests, detentions, and other forms of harassment, some organizations are being forced to pull out of Darfur. The effectiveness and continuation of aid is dependent on the constant threat of insecurity.  Fundraising benefits, like Ciarlariello’s event in June, are one of the few ways to help end the humanitarian crisis.

For more information on the suffering in Sudan and how you can help, visit the Save Darfur Coalition website at www.savedarfur.org.