Mizzou for Malawi raises money for orphans in Africa

An event hosted by the group and held at The Upper Crust featured student musicians and a DJ.

By Tony Puricelli

Published Oct. 12, 2010

"Celebration" was the watchword Thursday night when more than 300 students gathered at The Upper Crust downtown to dance, listen to local bands and raise money for orphans in Malawi.

Mizzou for Malawi hosted its third annual Chisangalalo last week. The fundraiser was an upscale concert that featured seven local bands as well as a disc jockey in the back room.

Guests were asked to dress in black and gold cocktail attire. There was also a separate room where guests were invited to find out more about the cause.

Musicians included some MU students, such as sophomore Paige Flores, who was performing at Chisangalalo for her second time.

"It's just nice to be able to tell people at a concert that it's not just about you," Flores said. "It's about getting the word out for this organization. I have so many friends tonight who hadn't even heard of Mizzou for Malawi, and now they really want to get involved."

Flores wowed the crowd with covers of Tom Petty and John Mayer.

"I performed at Chisangalalo last year," Flores said. "I was kind of ignorant about what it was about back then. I actually showed up in jeans and a T-shirt and was totally embarrassed, but it was a lot of fun. I'm just grateful they asked me back."

Sophomore Ben Trotter, who heard about the event from a friend, said the event also peaked the interest of a friend he brought. Trotter's friend now wants to get involved with the organization.

"This event is great," Trotter said. "I feel like everybody should come. You have a blast, and I mean, you raise money and get some cool stuff."

All proceeds from the event will go directly toward completing and supplying a school for 600 orphans in Salima, Malawi, Mizzou for Malawi Co-Director Lexi Perconti said.

Due to Mizzou for Malawi's efforts over the past three years, more than $25,000 have been raised for the school.

"It's really incredible to have some tangible evidence of the school and think that a year ago it didn't exist, but thanks to the efforts everyone has put into it, there is a school now," Perconti said.

Mizzou for Malawi also works closely with Peter Maseko, a Malawi doctor who has given up higher-paying jobs to remain in Malawi and help the people there. Maseko and his family oversee the construction in the area. The family has also adopted a daughter from Malawi, 2-year-old Alpha.

Members of the organization were able to meet Maseko and his family a few weeks ago at a GOP event in Kansas City.

"Just seeing their faces and hearing their inspiring words, you feel like you are doing so much, even if in reality, we are hardly even scratching the surface," public relations team member Kelsey Ibach said.

Most members of the organization agree that seeing the faces of the people they are helping is a highly rewarding experience.

"You see things on TV," events committee member Chris Rucker said. "You see people selling T-shirts across campus, but you don't really see what is actually happening. We have pictures and videos sent to us, and it leaves a huge impact."