On a Mission to Honduras
A group of more than 30 Tulane students are on a mission, literally and figuratively, to raise more than $15,000 by November so construction can begin on two health clinics in the mountains of Honduras.
Tulane students Tim Rinaldi, left, and Tatum Bass are part of Mission Honduras, which began with only eight students in 2002. Thirty-three students are now involved in bringing health clinics to Honduras. (Photo by Mary Mouton)
The students are participating in Mission Honduras, an annual student-run service trip to San Pedro Sula and surrounding mountain villages.
The students are organizing a Honduras Gala on Saturday (Oct. 3) from 6â“8 p.m. at the Tulane Catholic Center, 1037 Audubon St. Tickets are $25 for adults, $40 for couples and $15 for students and include food, drinks, door prizes even salsa lessons.
Juniors Tim Rinaldi and Jasmin Perez are leading the group that will be in Honduras during the first week of January to help construct the health clinics.
Rinaldi says the clinics will serve seven small mountain villages that currently have no access to even the most basic health care.
"There is only one health clinic to serve the entire area," Rinaldi says. "The seven villages we are serving are more than a two-hour walk away from the clinic and the trucks cannot reach them. We will provide the health care they desperately need. We will also raise the funds to pay for medical supplies and the salaries of two nurses so that the health care will be free for the people."
Plans are in the works for other fund-raising events. So far, InExchange in the Lavin-Bernick Center and Fresco's restaurant on Maple Street have donated 15 percent of their sales on sponsored days, and future donation days are planned.
"It will be so rewarding to impact the health care of several Honduran villages through the funds we raise here at home with our Tulane community," says fundraising chair Tatum Bass, a first-year student.
To donate or purchase gala tickets contact Tim Rinaldi.
