New La Sierra REVO raises $23k for orphanage

The name REVO stands for 'revolution,' a movement, an uprising of sorts, but one that fights poverty and meets need through organized charitable events. On April 18, La Sierra's new REVO branch organized its first revolution aimed at aiding others with a multi-event fundraiser that brought in $23,015 to aid the Gakoni orphanage in Rwanda. Reach International Inc. in Berrien Springs, Mich. operates the orphanage.

Organized by La Sierra REVO branch founder and graduate business student Jaylene Chung, the six-hour event featured an art show and auction, fashion show with student-designed clothing lines and performances by the La Sierra University Big Band, reggae band Diversity Rising, Mexican-American folk musicians Sal and Isela and artist Mike Isberto. The art exhibit showcased drawings, print photography, and a round table painted in bright, whimsical colors topped with portions of old maps of Europe. The fashion show highlighted the clothing creations of students who asked friends, family and sometimes faculty to model their lines.

In addition to the art auction, the event raised money through a $10 per person donation for the day's events, sales of t-shirts and other items. The fashion show at Hole Memorial Auditorium required a $5 cover charge.

Chung, age 20, was introduced to REVO during her years at Pacific Union College in Angwin. While there, she became involved in the college's REVO branch and fundraising activities. She brought the REVO idea with her to La Sierra University and established a branch at La Sierra. Before this year's inaugural REVO event took place, Chung was already planning next year's fundraiser, she said.

Chung has her sights set on bringing high profile individuals to future REVO events to attract larger groups of attendees and thus higher donations for charities. The graduate student earned a degree in biology and pre-med before joining the Master of Business Administration program at La Sierra. Chung's parents heard of the strong business program at La Sierra and encouraged their daughter to enroll. Chung is interested in nonprofit management, she said.

REVO, based in Hilo, Hawaii, is a movement that helps individuals find ways of raising money for their charitable causes. Its motto is “start a revolution, start with love.” REVO has branches in Denver, Guam, Baton Rouge, Anchorage, New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, San Diego, Canada, Pacific Union College and Andrews University.

PR Contact: Larry Becker
Executive Director of University Relations
La Sierra University
Riverside, California
951.785.2460 (voice)