Project Peanut Butter at Westminster College

The Westminster Seminar class “Who’s the Boss: The Political Impact of Rock ‘n Roll Icons” taught by Matt Mitchell is exploring how music influences politics and how social influence can bring about positive change. The class has chosen to raise money for Project Peanut Butter, a global program developed to treat severely malnourished kids all over the world.

The seminar class’s goal? To raise $1000 in one week for Project Peanut Butter (PBB).

“I think Project Peanut Butter is a fantastic organization that gives malnourished children a much less stressful and quicker treatment than having to go to hospitals,” said Michael Chitawo ’17, a “Who’s the Boss” seminar student from Malawi, Africa. “In places where hospitals may be too far or too expensive for the parents to afford it, Project Peanut Butter can quickly help malnourished children.”

Fundraising kicked off on Saturday, Oct. 12 with a 50/50 raffle and PB&J eating contest at Westminster football and soccer games. The competition pitted faculty, administration (including President Barney Forsythe in the dark blue cap above) and students against one another to raise awareness about the global problem of malnutrition and how PPB is seeking to save 2 million children by 2015.

The Saturday kick-off raised approximately $250. The class will continue their fundraising drive through Homecoming and Family Weekend (Oct. 18-20, 2013).

Class member and freshman Marissa Hackbarth (St. Pius X High School/Festus, Mo.) suggested the charitable organization as the class’s focus.

Members of the “Who’s the Boss” seminar class include:

Ann Baker
Nick Cessna
Mariah Hernandez
Robin Scarlet
Zach Smith
Patrick Sounders
Ally Wingert
Marissa Hackbarth
Ella Leslie
Drew Biscan
Alex Whelan
Colin Holzer
Andrea Zalis
Brittany Keebler
Michael Chitawo
Jeffery Dickerson

Mentors:
Andrea Kiser
Beau Reiske

“I am loving every day of the seminar class because it is challenging me and teaching me how to have a good, meaningful impact in what I do,” said Chitawo. “Coach Mitchell has been a very good influence in helping me think outside the box and take initiative in the goals I want to achieve. Mixed with his good sense of humor, the seminar class has been one of the best classes I think I’ll ever take at Westminster College.”