Second El Salvador benefit raises over $3,000

By Jessica Alway

Santa Clara students hosted a party in their own backyard to raise money for the people of El Salvador, Saturday night.

Despite the bad weather, over 180 people came to 1391 Washington St. to socialize, relax, listen to local musicians and most importantly donate money.

In exchange for donations, partygoers were given free Mexican food and a variety of beverages. Musical performances by senior Ryan Auffenberg and Backporch Majority kept the crowd entertained. In spite of being cut short by the unexpected arrival of the Santa Clara police, the benefit managed to raise $3,300, in addition to a $200 given by an anonymous Santa Clara alumn.

"We were hoping to surpass the $3,600 total from the last party," said senior Kevin Spring, one of the students who lives at the house, "but considering it was raining all day, we feel that's not a bad total."

The money raised will go to various groups and individuals in El Salvador, based on the suggestions of the co-directors of Casa de la Solidaridad, Trena and Kevin Yonkers-Talz, according to Pat McMonigle, another housemate involved with the benefit. Both Spring and McMonigle studied at Casa last spring.

McMonigle returned to El Salvador over Thanksgiving break with his girlfriend to share the donations with the people in need.

"The money went so far," McMonigle said. "We traveled a lot, visiting families, churches and other operations. The director really knew the hot spots. We were able to give out four scholarships to UCA (University of Central America) for five years. There wasn't one person or group he suggested that we weren't able to help."

Spring and McMonigle said their experience at Casa inspired them to plan a benefit at their house to raise money and get the rest of their friends excited about the cause.

The actual idea of a party was the initial attraction for other housemates Justin Buell and Jim Freeburg, but it was the cause that really kept them motivated during the planning, they said.

"In terms of preparation, we actually were quite discouraged and frustrated in the morning," said Buell. "A few guys had tried to raise the tent and faced wind and rain. A second wave of enthusiasm motivated a few of us to put our heads together and push towards our vision of a successful fundraiser. We started raising the tent about three hours prior to guest's arrival and finished within one hour of the time on the invitations. In the end, I thought the event was a huge success."

The entertainment began around 8 p.m. with the Auffenberg performance. He was followed by Backporch Majority - the local band is composed of juniors Dave Cordua, Chris Garber, Jake Cunningham and Seth Cummings. They played until the police arrived to eliminate the noise. Spring took advantage of this time to toast the crowd and introduce two El Salvadorian exchange students in attendance.

Paty Depaz spoke to the crowd for over 40 minutes in broken English, explaining how thankful she was to be in America and given the opportunity to study at Santa Clara.

Over 36 students can study for five years at a local university in El Salvador for the same amount of money as a single student's tuition for one year at Santa Clara, according to Depaz. She saves all her leftovers from Benson because she can't stand to put food in the trash when others at home have to go without even clean water to drink, she said. Finally, Depaz addressed the party in Spanish, as Spring translated for her.

"People have so many opportunities here and they don't even realize it," she said. "The fact that you are here fills my heart. I am so grateful to all of you that you chose to be here, to stand in solidarity with my country. Together we form a large community that can make peace in the world."

"It was her speech that made the difference between a regular party and a benefit," said freshman Cali Alvarado. "Even though she had to speak in Spanish some of the time, you could just tell what she was talking about, what she was trying to get across to us. You looked her in the eye and you just knew the point she meant, how much we take for granted. I came here thinking this was going to be like a normal party, but instead it really made me think about my life."

Garber, the drummer for Backporch Majority, who played for free Saturday, agreed.

"I think this [party] is different because it gives us an opportunity to use our music to draw attention to social issues that exist in the world and hopefully help make a small difference," he said. "By supporting the event we were able to do something we love, but for a bigger purpose than just our own enjoyment. We all think that events like that are important, performing is a way we become part of positive action."

Freeburg believes involvement in a gathering such as this reflects highly on Santa Clara students.

"Our benefit showed that Santa Clara students care about those who don't have the same opportunities as we do," he said. "Sometimes it may take an occasion such as the benefit to bring this out, but I really hope and think that students who choose to attend a Jesuit institution will be somewhat affected and touched by the values that are preached constantly: compassion, competence and conscience. To other students who want to host their own benefit, I'd suggest planning far in advance and stay motivated about the event."