Archive: Around Town

In remote villages of Pakistan and Afghanistan—villages from which terrorist organizations recruit the impoverished, illiterate and uneducated—a penny can buy a pencil and transform a child’s life through learning. Here in the United States, that same penny can teach American students valuable lessons in philanthropic action. Linking these disparate realties is Pennies for Peace, a program of the Central Asia Institute (CAI), the nonprofit organization started by Greg Mortenson, author of the New York Times best seller “Three Cups of Tea.”

At Wells College, Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology Christine Iacobucci recognized the project’s natural affinity with Wells’ educational mission and emphasis on experiential learning. Additionally, CAI and Pennies for Peace emphasize opportunities for women and girls, a goal that aligns with the values Wells holds from its former days as a women’s college. Iacobucci began a campus effort of Pennies for Peace earlier this fall. With a growing cadre of student and staff volunteers, she has helped educate the Wells community about the conditions in Central Asia, and students' own capacity to have a positive impact in the global community.

Today the Pennies for Peace program is expanding into the wider Aurora community through a benefit concert with The Bottom Feeders. The popular bluegrass band, which features members of Wells’ faculty and staff, will play at the Fargo Bar and Grill in downtown Aurora at 9 p.m. With the annual Christmas in Aurora event in full swing, the Bottom Feeders and Pennies for Peace will collect funds—of any denomination—to help buy school supplies, health supplies, or economic tools like sewing machines for the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The benefit is without cover charge, but organizers hope those who come to enjoy the festivities will consider donating to the cause in lieu of a door charge.

The event precedes Mortenson’s own visit to Auburn, which takes place in March.

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