College of the Canyons Honors Club Raises Community Awareness LARC Ranch fundraiser

In 2012 the College of the Canyons Honors Club held a fundraiser for the local homeless shelter Bridge to Home.  After raising awareness for the homeless shelter, the club decided to pick a different non-profit each semester to continue their success.
“We decided it would be nice to hold an ongoing charitable fundraiser,” said club President Tim Waschak.  “One member was affiliated with LARC Ranch, and we felt like this would be a great opportunity to raise awareness about the work they do.”
During his first semester as president, Tim and the club raised money on campus, but this time they wanted to go bigger.
“When we first started, we wanted to educate the public,” Tim said.  “Then we reached out to the ranch and held a 50/50 raffle.  It was $5 per ticket, and we sold more than 1,200 for LARC Ranch.”
Beyond the financial benefit, the club helped spread awareness about LARC Ranch’s mission, as well.  Tim explained that, in general, peers his age didn’t know about the ranch.
“It is a really neat place,” Tim said.  “I want people to know it exists.  It was a really fun experience, and at the end of all the hard work, it was very rewarding.  The opportunity they give to people in the community is amazing.  It takes a special type of person to give attention and care to people with special needs.”
For the spring, Tim and the club are tying to find another local non-profit.
“I wouldn’t mind expanding our program to include more of a volunteer aspect,” Tim said.  “Next semester we will be thinking about an event with more social interaction, something hands-on that will get us involved.  More than anything, our success comes from all the officers.  They are all very supportive.”
For more information about the College of the Canyons Honors Club, email Victoria.leonard@canyons.edu or visit them on Facebook.