Orinda Academy Raises Funds To Aid Chilean Earthquake Relief Efforts

March 17, 2010 - PRLog -- ORINDA, Calif.,--Orinda Academy students, faculty and friends raised over $2,300 to aid in Chilean earthquake relief efforts.  

The students responded to a heartfelt plea from Spanish teacher Elizabeth Jurado, a native Chilean, who showed the students pictures of the severe damage in Chile as a result of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake.  Elizabeth also described her very emotional story of how she was unable to connect with her family for three long and worrisome days. Her sister, who was in the epicenter city of Concepcion, arrived safely at the parents’ home while Elizabeth was on the initial phone call from her parents.  It was a very positive and emotional ending to three trying days.

The students were inspired to help their teacher and the country of Chile.  The students, especially seniors such as Ben Ishibashi and Crystal Cardona, mobilized to have a luncheon with donated and home cooked Chilean and ethnic food.  

Along with other donations from the Orinda Academy community, the students raised over $2,300 to donate to Un Tech Para Chile ( A Roof for Chile), an organization that builds small, temporary homes for $1,000 each.  

OA students raised enough for two homes to be built, which surpassed their goal of only one home.  Many OA students and families pitched in to prepare authentic Chilean dishes, or dishes from their culture, which reflected the diverse population of Orinda Academy.  

“Our student’s mobilization, organization and compassionate attitude were an excellent community service project and educational as well,” said Ron Graydon, founder and head of Orinda Academy. “The students learned about the destruction caused by earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as the culture and geography of Chile. Most importantly, the students felt good about giving,”

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OA prides itself on the overall success of its students. Students are from various parts of the Bay Area and bring their individual strengths and talents to enrich the diverse community. The environment at OA is conducive to student achievement by emphasizing organization, time-management, and self-advocacy. While developing self-esteem and self-reliance, students build upon their successes at OA. Students who graduate from Orinda Academy are confident as well as academically and personally prepared for college. Graduates attend top public and private universities including California State and University of California schools. For more information, call the Orinda Academy at (925) 254-7553, or visit http://www.orindaacademy.org