Winter Ball spreads WIVP funding

By: Jessica Walbridge, WG'03

Posted: 11/25/02

So you're debating whether or not to go to the Winter Ball--I know, at this point in the semester cash is running low and if you do go, you'll have to figure out the dress/tux/James Bond outfit situation which can also be costly--assuming you can't transform your rainbow party or studio 54 outfits into something respectable...

Normally, I wouldn't be so concerned with my classmates' social choices, although I definitely subscribe to "The More the Merrier." However, not attending the Wharton Winter Ball is much more than a pass on just another party. You will be missing the opportunity to support what is arguably one of Wharton's most important student-led initiatives.

The Winter Ball is the largest fund-raising event for the Wharton International Volunteer Project (WIVP). For those of you who don't know, WIVP (not to be confused with GIP or GCP) is a non-profit, student-run organization whose mission is to utilize the business skills of Wharton MBA students to benefit those in need throughout the world. WIVP realizes this mission by working in partnership with non-governmental organizations to contribute to economic and social development projects in developing countries. For over 15 years, WIVP has been sending student volunteer teams abroad to work with these local organizations for a period of two to four weeks over the summer. During the school year, WIVP works to raise the funds necessary to facilitate the projects as well as to subsidize room, board, and airfare for the student volunteers. Basically, more money raised results in more sponsored projects, greater number of participants, and longer stays in the developing countries.

Last summer WIVP sent 23 students to the following 8 countries: Mongolia, The Ivory Coast, Vietnam, Chile, Mexico, Botswana, Tanzania and Bangladesh. Students were involved in microfinance, sustainable ecotourism ventures, the empowerment of women and children, and AIDS education and prevention.

This year again, WIVP is planning to focus on projects in Asia, Latin America, and Africa and hopes to be able to support between 35 and 40 student volunteers. But the ultimate number and scope of the projects will depend heavily on the outcome of the fundraising endeavors over the next 6 months.

In the past, the club has secured the majority of it's funding from the Winter Ball. WIVP also approaches alumni as well as corporations for donations. However, this year is sure to prove particularly challenging given the state of the economy, thus the amount of money raised from the ball will be more important than ever!

If you didn't contribute to SPIF and are still feeling guilty about it (come on, there has to be at least one of you out there!), now is your chance to support another great cause which allows Wharton students to use their MBA skills to effect positive social change.

Still not convinced? Imagine yourself a year or two from now sitting in your cube at Company X on a Friday evening pondering the barren landscape of your weekend--wishing you had something fun to do. While it is rumored that we get a lifetime Pub membership, it will NOT be cool to come back to the Winter Ball after you graduate. So I encourage you to seize the moment and join us on December 6th. For those of you who have never been, Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park is one of Philadelphia's finest venues and definitely worth seeing.

Truly, I think it will be a good time and it's for a great cause--Hope to see you there!