As a society we are often resistant to attempt change, not because we do not think we will have an impact, but because the issue we are trying to face seems far too impossible to tackle. I used to believe this too; that an organization like Enloe Charity Ball would never be able to do justice to a problem like intergenerational poverty, without full concentration around the severity of the cause. However, after lots of discussion with my peers and role models, I’ve come to realize that it is this toxic mindset that prevents positive progress, and that the seriousness of an issue does not have to swallow the fun and positivity in the process of fixing it.
Yes, as a community, a school, and a council we need to digest the fact that 54% of people in the Southeast Raleigh area are living in poverty, that Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing cities in America with an equally fast-growing wealth gap, and that these circumstances have veritable consequences for all of us as a city. However, this issue does not have to override the value of student leadership and engaging events that Enloe Student Council is equally promoting. Although students may not be engulfed in learning about intergenerational poverty through kickball games and coffee sales, it is these events that bring greater awareness and support to our organization so it can better address systemic issues in our community.
Whether a person donates because they are inspired by a student leader at Enloe or in hopes of providing a uniform to an impoverished child, every donation supports philanthropy in some way. Despite the fact that it is the presence of so many ingrained issues in our area that makes Enloe Charity Ball necessary, it is the amazing passion and student leadership that make it possible. The variety of reasons why people from all backgrounds and ages donate to Enloe Charity Ball each year is what unites such a diverse body of active voices in our community.
Abby Pender
Clubs and Organizations Officer
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