More than 200 students, faculty, and staff from California State University-Stanislaus participated in the United Samaritans Foundation’s annual Legacy of Hope fundraiser. This event marks over 20 years of collaboration between Stanislaus State and the United Samaritans Foundation.
Volunteers included College Corps participants, students from more than 20 Service Learning courses, student-athletes, and members of various student clubs and organizations. They worked in shifts to set up the venue, assist during the fundraiser, and clean up afterward.
University President Britt Rios-Ellis joined other leaders as VIP servers at the event. Rios-Ellis emphasized the importance of service for Stan State: “This event represents the heart of Stan State — compassion, collaboration and service. Our students, faculty and staff continue to show what it means to be Warriors by coming together to make a meaningful difference for people in need across our county.”
The Legacy of Hope fundraiser supports the United Samaritans Foundation’s work delivering food throughout Stanislaus County and raising funds to expand its services for families in need.
Dean Lee, a double major in English and music education who has volunteered at Legacy of Hope for four years, said: “I’ve volunteered at Legacy of Hope for four years, and it reminds me that everyone helping out together can make a big difference. I feel really accomplished after a long day that we made a big impact that will really help people. And it inspires me that someday, once I get my degree, I can continue to give back and do a lot for my community.”
The university views these volunteer experiences as opportunities for students to apply classroom learning while serving their communities.
