As students file into the classroom, they put their backpacks beside their seats and absentmindedly take out supplies such as paper, pens and pencils. Little do they know that many students their same age across the world don’t even have these small items, because their parents don’t have 16 cents to purchase one pencil and notebook.
While many young people around the world lack the basics needed to obtain an education, there are also many nonprofits and organizations that are working to raise money and donate their time and energy to fill this need. One such organization, Hope Venture, happens to be based in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Hope Venture is a nonprofit organization that can help students and other people make a difference around the world. One of the events that they put on is the Run for Hope, which helps to raise money for students in places such as Bangladesh and India.
The fee to participate in the run is $15, which is enough money to buy a year’s worth of school supplies for one student. It also pays for a drawstring bag, t-shirt, sticker and food and drinks on race day. The run took place on April 13.
Landon Bartel is a donor coach for the organization, which means that he helps get to know the donors and keeps all of their information up to date, which includes the promotion of events.
According to Bartel, Hope Venture is “on an adventure to provide hope and dignity to the most disadvantaged people in the world.”
This involves them making plans for projects in areas of poverty, such as some areas in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. While Hope Venture is based in Lincoln, most of their work is done in other countries. They have a few trips overseas each year, and for some you can apply to go on. One of the most popular ones is their trip to Kenya.
“Traveling with us is a great way to see the projects firsthand and learn about the cultures that we work with all over the world,” Bartel said.
For people who don’t want to go on a trip, you can also support the organization by just going to events, and hosting fundraisers.
According to Bartel, “We love to support people in their fundraisers and have a lot of fun brainstorming how to make it a great success.”
Besides Run For Hope, they have many other projects that they do as well. One is Roomiepalooza, where different households compete to raise the most money for the Backpack Project in one day. Another is the Night for Hope, which is in October and is another event for them to raise money.
“Run for Hope averages around $50,000, Roomiepalooza around $20,000, and Night for Hope between $100,000-$300,000 depending on the year,” Bartel said.
For students who want to make a difference but don’t believe they can, Hope Venture is a great way to change the world right here in Lincoln, NE.
“I believe anyone can help change the world from wherever they are in life. Our choices to help and support those around us make ripple effects and I believe anyone from a toothless third grader to a retired grandma can make that choice,” Bartel said.
