UF Chispas is trying to raise about $1,500 for Florida’s undocumented students this week.
The immigrant advocacy organization, which is Spanish for “sparks,” is hoping to double the $800 raised last year for its Out of the Shadows scholarship. Money will be raised through its annual Chispas Week.
“We’re hoping to get the word out and let people know what we’ve been doing this year and this semester,” said Michael Reyes, the public relations director for Chispas.
Students give donations during the five events planned for the week, he said. These go straight to the scholarship.
“Being a student is hard in itself, so add the undocumented status to that, and it makes it a lot harder,” he said.
The week will end with an art auction, which is the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year, Reyes said. About 80 people are expected to attend.
“Because we got the word out so much this year, I’m hoping it’s going to double,” he said.
While Chispas usually holds a movie night and art auction, other events change, he said. This year, the group is holding a #SwipeLeftOnWendys event.
Jacqueline Chavez, a UF political science and international studies sophomore, said she heard about the event from friends.
Chavez said her favorite event is the talent show, but she hopes to attend the other events as well.
“I think Chispas is such a great organization, and they really show how students care about their community,” she said.
