UCLA’s chapter of Circle K International (CKI) hosted their annual Pillow Fight charity fundraiser in Ackerman Grand Ballroom at UCLA on Jan. 19, raising $3000 for a local charity.
The event drew more than 350 participants for a massive pillow fight, different games and activities, on-site service projects, and a variety of live performances such as acapella groups, dance groups and martial arts.
“Our club started Pillow Fight in 2008 to raise money for a summer camp,” said Prescilla Arellano, a second-year UCLA student and chair of the event. “Since then, it has grown each year and now includes participants from all over Southern California. To determine the beneficiary, our club board reviews different local charities at the start of each administrative year and selects one with which we feel we can make the most impact.”
The Pillow Fight beneficiary selected for 2013 was Alexandria House. Located near downtown Los Angeles, Alexandria House is a non-profit transitional residence and neighborhood center for homeless women and children.
Alexandria House provides a supportive and encouraging environment for its residents.
Their transitional housing program offers financial management, goal setting processes, childcare, counseling, healthcare, and access to other resources such as job search assistance, education, legal counsel, advocacy and skill-building.
“UCLA CKI has been volunteering with Alexandria House for the past two years,” said Arellano. “Volunteers have cooked for the residents, held carnivals for the kids and helped with events such as their Halloween and Christmas Festivals. In addition, UCLA CKI has held a variety of smaller fundraisers, such as bake sales, for Alexandria House.”
“The best part about volunteering for Alexandria House is seeing how happy the kids are when we are playing games with them—knowing that these little activities can make their day,” said Jaimie Te, a second-year UCLA student and first-time volunteer with Alexandria House.
“I am really pleased with how Pillow Fight turned out this year,” said Arellano. “It really is a great event for a great cause. Participants get the opportunity to be a part of a huge pillow fight while helping a cool charity. It truly is a win-win!”
Circle K International embodies the values of service, leadership and fellowship and is the largest collegiate service organization in the world. With more than 12,500 members in 17 countries, more than 1 million hours of service are performed each year.
Chartered in 1974, the UCLA chapter is part of the California-Nevada-Hawaii district of the organization, where over 2100 members serve the community and raise funds for charities. Circle K at UCLA remains dedicated to its mission to change and better its community one member at a time.
