Editor's Note: There are currently 8,000 Peace Corps volunteers serving. We reported otherwise in Tuesday's Alligator.
Recurso, a non-profit UF student organization, called on students to make their mark on society by providing humanitarian assistance to the less fortunate at its 5th Annual Founder's Day Gala held Monday night.
Nikie Bhakta, Recurso club president, said this year's gala was about calling students to action by joining organizations such as the Peace Corps and Recurso, instead of simply increasing awareness of humanitarian efforts.
Young, bright-eyed students from J.J. Finley Elementary School's "Finley Flyers" set the tone for the evening with performances of traditional songs from Ghana and Kenya.
Bhakta had an easy time engaging her audience after the Flyers' energetic performance.
"Tonight is meant to depict Recurso's beauty," Bhakta said. "Recurso is an organization compiled of passionate individuals who ensure the spirit of service is felt internationally."
Allene Zanger, regional director for the Peace Corps, told listeners about the organization's success.
There are currently about 800,000 Peace Corps volunteers worldwide.
"The Peace Corps volunteers are the face of America, and they represent a rich diversity," Zanger said.
Zanger lauded volunteers as the best ambassadors the U.S. has to offer to the world.
Keynote speaker Edward Scott Jr., co-founder of the Center for Global Development, drew on this point with a discussion of how volunteers have advanced humanitarian aid and what areas still need improvement.
Half of the world's population lives on $2 a day, Scott said.
He stressed the need for people from each end of the political spectrum to be aware of what goes on within the international environment.
"It's not the province of the liberal left or the evangelical right," Scott said. "There's room for everybody in this boat."
Bhakta rounded out the evening by presenting both speakers with plaques that thanked them for their service to the international community. The audience of about 70 was given the opportunity to participate in a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting clean water, literacy and orphanage relief programs.
"I hope by getting a glimpse of the world issues through our displays and listening to our wonderful speakers, you are inspired to make your mark on the world," Bhakta said.
