San Luis Obispo County residents are invited to a Cal Poly Wheelchair Foundation benefit for people who need wheelchairs in Belize. The fifth annual Gift of Mobility Benefit, which aims to raise $44,000 for 560 wheelchairs, will be at 6:30 p.m. April 1 at The Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach.
The Cal Poly chapter of the Wheelchair Foundation began in April 2001 as a way for a group of students to apply their educational experiences toward a beneficial cause. It was the first student chapter of the Wheelchair Foundation in the nation and has received three President's Community Service Awards for significant service. Over the past four years, Cal Poly students have raised $98,000 and sent 1,280 wheelchairs to people in need in Peru, Ethiopia, Thailand and Guatemala.
Those unable to attend the event can support the cause through financial contributions. A gift of $75 will purchase a new wheelchair and send it to a patient in Belize. Donated items for the auction are also needed. Donations are tax-deductible.
Tickets for this year's event are $75. For tickets or information, call 756-2010 or email at calpoly@wheelchair foundation.org.
- Melanie Cleveland