SJC Raises $30,000 for HIV and AIDS Relief

May 20, 2010

PATCHOGUE, NY May 21, 2010 St. Josephs College is proud to announce that its chapter of Keep a Child Alive (KCA) has raised $30,000 since 2007. KCA is an international organization that provides anti-retroviral treatment, care and support services to children and families whose lives have been affected by HIV and AIDS in Africa and India.

Through creative fundraisers and events, the Keep a Child Alive Club has gained a significant presence on the Long Island Campus of St. Josephs College, with more than 50 active student members and regular participation from family and friends in the community. Two of its most successful campaigns are the "Who Gives A Buck? fundraiser and the paper doll sale. Proceeds from the 2010 Comedy Roast of Fr. Frank Pizzarelli also went to the organization. $10,000 has been raised in the spring 2010 semester alone.

"Keep a Child Alive has allowed me and my fellow classmates to become part of a revolution that is going to change this world, said Billy Gonyou 10, president of the St. Josephs Chapter of Keep a Child Alive. "When it only takes one person to stand up and fight against something, we should be doing everything we can to help those who cannot help themselves. We may not be superheroes, but we have definitely been given the opportunity to restore life in the lives of million of people, especially children, who have been both infected and affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

Because of the Colleges success with KCA, SJC Chapter President Billy Gonyou was designated the Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative by the KCA organization. He represents all KCA chapters in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. Mr. Gonyou connects with other chapters on Facebook and through e-mail, to assure that Keep a Child Alive grows in colleges and universities throughout the country.

The Keep a Child Alive organization was founded in Kenya in 2002. Currently, more than 4,000 children and family members are on ARV treatment and more than 250,000 people are receiving alternative care.

For more information about Keep a Child Alive or to make a donation, please contact Billy Gonyou at [email protected].