Peter Wulff Center River North Chicago Fundraiser

All opportunities in the world are waiting to be grasped by people who are in love with their work - Emerson

Robert's Pizza and Dough Company, 5 iron Golf and the Peter Wulff Center came together to raise $3250 for global and local programs that benefit humanity. Christopher Majkowski made it possible to host this fundraiser for curious young adults in Chicago who were interested in advancing the humanitarian mission of the center. The evening was an informal gathering of people from all age groups with a focus on learning how they could make a difference in the lives of their contemporaries at the other end of the world. The students at the Peter Wulff Center register for free sewing and tailoring courses earning diplomas at the end of a 6 month course allowing them to earn some income. The Peter Wulff Center also supports a computer center where 155 students use 7 computers to have access to computer classes. Many of these students at the Peter Wulff Center are from disadvantaged backgrounds and have little opportunity for improving their lives. This is where the youth who participated at the 5 Iron Golf event made an impact as the proceeds will support more students. The Peter Wulff Center is grateful to the support and gift from the award winning Robert's Pizza and Dough Company for their generous donation of pizzas for the entire group of humanitarians that evening. Their exquisite variety of pizzas made the evening extra special and enjoyable as well as their implicit statement expressing the importance of humanitarian work. This extra special topping of kindness brought in many new fans to Robert's Pizzas.

The other program receiving support from the funds raised is the ex prisoner Christmas lunch hosted by Outside the Walls. The Peter Wulff Center in collaboration with Salem Methodist Church and Barrington United Methodist Church sponsors a Christmas lunch for ex prisoners and their families every year. Around 20 volunteers including youth volunteers from Barrington host this event. In addition to the meal childrens gifts, used winter clothes, hats, scarves etc are collected and given as gifts after the meal. The Peter Wulff Center is honored to be a part of this experience as hosts are able to spend time and learn how the families are turning around their tragic lives.

These opportunities that make a tremendous impact on people's lives are educational, fulfilling and challenging taking both the givers and receivers on a journey of unexpected rewards. It is an experience that can change lives in unimaginable ways. For example when 10 year old Chris began helping to start a chess program in 2004 it was impossible to think of how he could return 20 years later to be a leader and a mentor for youth. Yet he pleasantly surprised most of the adult volunteers who knew him as a child with his aspirations, drive and initiative. Chris is also mentoring 12 year old Jack and 13 year old Krish who enthusiastically volunteered to make this event successful. They are President and CEO of a social entrepreneurial company called "Need Hope" that will continue to advance the humanitarian reach of the Peter Wulff Center. Besides volunteering they have sold Hummus and Zeins Magical Spices to provide groceries for 5 families with the proceeds of their funds.

Inspired by these examples another 31 year old volunteer Tala Said is launching a chess program in Amman, Jordan at the end of this month. The chess program will donate all its proceeds to scholarships for handicapped people.

Youth who engaged in service learning years later have returned social, cultural, economic capital to local and global communities creating opportunities and leaders "in love with their work". Service learning has transformed youth into individuals who know who they are as confidant, smart, successful entrepreneurs changing the world a step at a time.

The Center is always looking for new ideas in a constant drive towards excellence. Please contact peterwulffcenter.org for ideas/funds/questions. The Peter Wulff Center also offers internships for anyone with interest at the center in Delhi, India. 12 people from Barrington have visited the center over the years recounting their experiences as rewarding and educational.