A different international charity that works directly with children is chosen in a different part of the world each year. Various charities all over the world are researched and the committee discusses each potential recipient based on the following criterion: • the location has not been chosen in the past • is located outside of the United States • helps to benefit children (example – orphanage) • the donation will have a positive and noticeable impact • the charity should be represented by a small organization in need of help • The charity should not currently be receiving funding from a larger organization, such as American Red Cross, Peace Corp., etc Once the criterion is met the charity must be brought to the committee and voted on by committee members. The charity with majority votes and/or most support shall be chosen.

In the past, Charity Ball International has chosen orphanages in Haiti, Thailand, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and Uganda. Over the past five years, the small organization has raised almost $8,000 total. In addition, the organization continues to promote awareness of international issues to the Florida International University community with year round fundraisers and the annual Charity Ball. Charity Ball International also stresses to its members the potential they each have to impact the world and hopes that its members will become more appreciative of life.

Began in Fall 2003 by Kate Mitchell and Joyelle Rice. Kate’s vision was to create an event that would educate students about a different region of the world each year and excite students about engaging in what is happening in less developed countries. In addition, she hoped that the event would actually help a small group of kids in a very concrete way each year. Charity Ball was not meant to be merely a charity but an event to incorporate education while building connections between FIU students and various small organizations around the world that would have a lasting effect. In Spring 2004 the first Charity Ball took place. Since 2004, Jasmine Flores and Noelle Service transformed the annual event to an organization empowering students with essential leadership and planning skills and promoting cross cultural awareness year round. Charity Ball International continues to contribute a different international charity benefiting children each year.

Start a similar project at another university/college. Join the Florida International University Chapter in its efforts. Become a friend on myspace to receive updates on upcoming events and ways to help.