RACHEL SACHER
Staff Writer
Elisha Soch said that after attending the Acting on Aids convocation Jan. 24th, her heart was stirred. Her call to action was furthered by her experience with the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles and her response to these two events was to start a club called One Glance Mission.
Within a week’s time, Soch had petitioned ICC for group approval and received funding from SGA.
Students now recognize the group around campus, and the buzz to join One Glance is spreading. The numbers are steadily increasing as more students have recognized the group as organized and motivated to change the world.
The inspiration for One Glance comes from the Biblical text found in Song of Solomon 4:9 where the verse talks about stealing the heart of another with only “one glance.” This mission has taken on the concept of “one glance” and turned it into a vision to help others in a huge way.
Soch’s dream is that One Glance would be able to raise $15,000 by the end of spring 2007. The money will go toward the construction of a missionary hospital in a less developed country in either South America or Africa.
The group is working with an organization called the Samaritan’s purse, which is responsible for the construction of missionary hospitals throughout the world.
To kick off the semester, One Glance Mission hosted a Superbowl Party in the HAWC on Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. There was a barbecue and beverage spread, and because of student connections, Islands made a food donation.
At the Superbowl party, there was a raffle, to raise additional funds for One Glance. In the course of the afternoon and evening, about 80 students made their way to the fundraiser.
“The turnout was as we had hoped, and our sponsors have been pretty generous,” Adam Wall, sophomore member of One Glance said.
Katie Chang, RA for Soch and other club founders, commented on the group.
“It’s been amazing,” Chang said. “The initiative they’ve shown has been incredible. It’s been pure initiative these past two weeks.”
The club has plans for future events, including a drive-in movie night on the baseball field, a talent show, convocation opportunities, and more.
Soch hopes to host a convocation, which will inform the student body on the mission of the group and how students can get involved. Soch says, “This is a dream that we can only do with your help.” In addition, Soch says, “any sort of support is amazing”.
Treasurer Alissa McCord commented on the group turnout so far saying, “a lot of people are starting to join, hopefully we can start some new fundraising.”
With the first event now under their belt, One Glance hopes to have more student involvement in the future.
Soch said One Glance Mission is looking for more volunteers to help with their events. Donations in the form of time and resources are greatly appreciated. Students can contact her at Elisha.Soch@pepperdine.edu.
02-08-2007