Mustang Heroes’ 'Sleep In A Box' event focuses on homelessness
Mustang Heroes event raises awareness and funds for the homeless.
 See the slide show.  |
The event involved a box decorating competition, and a screening “The Pursuit of Happyness,” a biographical drama of American businessman Chris Gardner’s struggle with homelessness.
Daniel Poku, the co-founder of Mustang Heroes, was the featured speaker of the event. Poku spoke about viewing the homeless in a personal way. Many SMU organizations, including New Century Scholars, Alternative Breaks and Tri Delta, participated in the event.
Mustang Heroes’ president and co-founder Carissa Grisham said that she hopes that this event inspires students to give back to their communities. “My hope is that this event broke some stereotypes and underlined the importance of volunteerism, activism and philanthropy to my peers,” said Grisham.
Kim Janice, a Mustang Heroes member and event participant commented on her Shoe In A Box experience. “The event was a fun and interactive way for SMU students to broaden their horizons and become more aware about the issues affecting Dallas especially the issue of homelessness,” said Janice.
The Sept. 22 event raised approximately $2,000 through donations from students who paid to participate in the event. The funds were donated to Vogel Alcove, a childcare center for the homeless.
About Vogel Alcove:
Vogel Alcove is an organization dedicated to serving the needs of the homeless children throughout the DFW metroplex. The organization’s mission is to provide homeless children with the basic necessities for their future success. Vogel Alcove’s team helps those children who are exposed to poverty, abuse, and neglect and therefore in extreme risk of emotional trauma and developmental regression. With the help of Vogel Alcove, these children are given a second chance to succeed in their lives. The organization was founded in 1987 and has since provided free quality child development for many children in need.