ShawneeDispatch.com

Shawnee Mission North students want to donate to charities so much they're willing to ride donkeys for their cause.

The school's fifth annual Donkeyball tournament raised more than $1,000 Friday for the Children's Cancer Foundation, sponsored by the Student Council. Students, teachers and administrators played basketball while riding donkeys -- that is, when the donkeys weren't bucking, refusing to move or running off the court.

Mariann Dugan, Shawnee senior, said the Student Council had to book the event well in advance to get the donkeys to come. The donkeys wear rubberized shoes to keep from scratching the gymnasium floor. During halftime, the gentle donkeys even gave rides to children.

"People just love the donkeys," she said. "It's so much fun to watch."

The North Student Council is operating several charities drives this year. In the final week of April, the school will have an entire week of charity events to benefit a number of organizations, culminating in a Charity Picnic.

On Friday, students donated a $1,200 check to "I Abolish," the American Anti-Slave group that provides awareness and aid. After listening to speaker Francis Bok, a former slave from Sudan now living in Olathe, North students said they were happy to help others.

David Rodriguez, a sophomore from Shawnee, said listening to a real slavery victim reiterated the need for giving to charities.

"I was shocked," he said. "I had no idea that was going on in the world today. It reminded me of how important it is to donate.

"And we're pretty lucky in Kansas City," he added. "When you see what you're giving to, it really makes a difference."

Chris McCluer, parent and Overland Park resident, said he was involved in helping bring speakers like Bok to North. He said Bok's book, "Escape from Slavery" detailed a story that young Americans need to know about.

"The level of awareness is so low in this country," he said of the worldwide problem of slavery. "A lot of people don't know it exists at all."

Proceeds from a dodge ball tournament earlier in the week helped raise money the American Anti-Slavery Group and for the Children's Cancer Foundation.

Cody Fothergill, Student Council faculty sponsor, said the group sponsors a variety of activities every year to help donate to charities.

"Everybody who comes to watch Donkeyball seems to love it," he said.

During the charity week picnic, students pay $1 to get out of their seminar classes and enjoy games, activities and barbecue. In the past, Fothergill said, students have chosen four or five charities to support throughout the week.

For more information on the charities supported by Shawnee Mission North students this month, visit: Children's Cancer Foundation at www.childrenscancerfoundation.org or the American Anti-Slavery Group at www.iabolish.com.

Making a Difference is a weekly feature of The Dispatch. To nominate a community volunteer for this spotlight,send an e-mail to: editor@shawneedispatch.com or send a letter or postcard to Editor, The Shawnee Dispatch, 10314 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Suite 260, Shawnee KS 66203.