A new, nationwide, symbolic fund-raising campaign to save Bethune-Cookman University will begin Sunday, November 24, 10 a.m., at Mt. Zion AME Church, 449 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Daytona Beach.
The kickoff event is open to all and presented by the newly organized Community Sponsors, a group whose creation was urged by many leaders and concerned citizens throughout the city.
Leading the gift-giving at the church will be a group of children, each of whom will donate $1.50. That symbolic donation will be in recognition of the Biblical teaching of Isaiah 11:6, “and a little child will lead them,” and of the legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, who founded the nationally recognized university in 1904 with $1.50 and five little girls.
It is a legacy that was expanded after her death by succeeding presidents Dr. Richard V. Moore and Dr. Oswald Bronson, Sr.
That renowned legacy is now being threatened by financial activities of those no longer associated with the university.
Donations of any amount will be accepted and are tax deductible. Other “symbolic” suggestions are $150.00 from adults 18 and older, and $1,150.00 from businesses and organizations.
A special invitation has been extended to youth ministers from all churches. There will be a repast after the service.
Donations should be made payable to B-CU Institutional Advancement, for Community Sponsors, and mailed to 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114-9986.
Co-chairpersons of the Community Sponsors organization are Fred Beneby and Dr. Dorothy (Dotti) Lewis, both of whom knew Dr. Bethune and each of whom has both worked and volunteered for the university. Other committee members are Rebecca J. Lewis, Ouida C. Grefe and Rah’shad Bryant.
Letters explaining the creation and purpose of the symbolic donation campaign are being mailed nationwide to alumni and friends of B-CU, to various churches, synagogues and other religious groups—and to individuals and organizations known for their help to worthwhile causes.
For further information, or to help in this campaign, please contact Fred Beneby at (386) 882-8401. Community Sponsors will continue their efforts throughout the U.S. as long as they are effective.
