Bridgeport International Academy Student Scholarship Fund Telethon Fundraiser

Chili peppers, onions, and wasabi. Those were just a few of the unusual things involved in the recent virtual telethon fundraiser for Bridgeport International Academy (BIA), which raised more than $5,000 for its student scholarship fund.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all of our donors for your generosity” said BIA Headmaster Dr. Frank LaGrotteria. “It was exceeded by a wide margin from any previous attempt.”

Fifty-three donors pledged $5,060 on BIA’s GoFundMe page during the virtual telethon. The private college preparatory school, founded in 1997 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has an international student body which includes Unificationists. The school strives for every graduate to become “a global citizen who can make a profound and lasting difference in their college careers and beyond.”

“This was BIA’s first telethon,” said fundraiser coordinator Daniel Kingsley. “It was a student-driven event and every penny that was raised in the telethon will go directly to BIA’s scholarship fund to help current and future students at BIA meet the world for years to come.”

Streaming live on Facebook April 23, the telethon, which ran from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. EDT, was a new approach to the school’s annual benefit night. It was full of student talent, including music, skits, singing, dancing, poetry, cat videos, computer tricks, as well as some unappetizing food challenges.

“Can’t wait to see what happens with these [chili] peppers,” read one Facebook comment.

Students entertained the virtual audience while performing in various categories. And as donations poured in, two emcees — Micas Wetherall and Joseph Lopez — gulped down tomato juice and pickle juice while blindfolded, took whipped cream pies to the face, and ate raw onions and wasabi to help the fundraiser reach its $5,000 goal. BIA faculty joined in on the action, too, chomping on whole chili peppers.

“The pickle juice was kind of good,” said Wetherall.

Donors were recognized with a small or large engraved dove, depending on donation size, which are hung on the Dove Wall in the front of BIA. Four students were also honored, receiving small plaques for BIA’s Four Pillars Awards that recognize academics, creativity, global citizenship, and character.

“I am very grateful that I could contribute greatly to this school,” said Liam Meijer, a student photographer awarded for his creativity.

Meijer, Hien Phan, Keita Yamada, and Chau Giang “Alvia” Pham will have their names displayed next to past award recipients in BIA’s Spurgin Hall.

“These students have such talent, such gifts,” said Dr. LaGrotteria, “and I’m so moved by them. Here at BIA we honor these four pillars of excellence as the foundation of what we do. This is what it’s all about… and that’s what we’ve seen with this evening’s telethon.”

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Bridgeport International Academy $5,060 raised of $5,000 goal 53 30 53 donors shares followers

Claude Perrottet $50 • 5d

Brian B Lim $100 • 6d

Anonymous $100 • 6d

Anonymous $40 • 6d

Robert Sattinger $50 • 6d

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TEAM FUNDRAISER Office BIA and 3 others are organizing this fundraiser to benefit Bridgeport International Academy Inc.

Greetings BIA family!

Bridgeport International Academy is thrilled to make a special announcement! This year, we will be hosting a virtual telethon broadcasted live on our Facebook page on Friday April 23rd at 7pm EST. Each year, BIA holds an annual benefit night to help raise scholarship funds for current and future BIA students. We are a small school with a big mission! We create a harmonious and empowering learning environment where students excel academically, grow their heart/character, and develop their unique creative gifts. We strive for every student who graduates from BIA to become Global Citizens who can make a profound and lasting difference in their college careers and beyond in the areas of life that matter most to them!

We are inviting our entire BIA family to attend and support the BIA virtual telethon! The telethon will feature our very talented BIA student artists displaying a variety of incredibly fun and unique talents. If you feel inspired to contribute to our mission, we encourage you to make a donation on this GoFundMe page during the live telethon broadcast. Donations will not be accepted over the phone. If you would like to support but can’t attend the live broadcast, you can also provide a donation anytime on our GoFundMe page. 100 percent of the donations raised from the telethon will directly go back to the BIA Scholarship fund to help current and future students of BIA meet the world for many years to come!

Donors who make the following contributions will be also recognized on the BIA Dove Wall.

Bronze level: 50-99 dollars--You will receive a small dove which will be placed on our dove wall located on the front of the school with your name on it.

Silver level: 100-499 dollars-- You will receive a large dove which will be placed on our dove wall located on the front of the school with your name on it.

Gold level: 500 dollars and above-- You will receive a large dove with flowers which will be placed on our dove wall located on the front of the school with your name on it.

We are a small school that is completely funded through private tuition payments. Despite the many challenges that the school has faced during the COVID 19 pandemic, the school has worked relentlessly to create a safe, engaging, and inspiring educational experience for our students. Your donation goes a long way to help current and future students have an opportunity to attend BIA for many great years to come. Mark your calendars for April 23rd. We look forward to seeing you at the BIA telethon!

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Fundraising team (4)

Office BIA Organizer Bridgeport, CT Bridgeport International Academy Inc Registered nonprofit Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US. Learn more

Daniel Kingsley Team member Emily Kise Team member Lily Shapiro Team member

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Created March 29, 2021 Education & Learning

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