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News Release

Last modified: Thursday, March 6, 2008

IU SIFE chapter partners with local non-profit organizations to present area events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2008

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), an Indiana University student group advocating service-based learning, has partnered its Fair Trade Bloomington project with several Bloomington-area non-profit organizations to present two upcoming events during March's Women's History Month.

The partnering organizations -- Girls Incorporated of Monroe County, Middle Way House and Women Inspire -- address the goals and needs of women and children. The Luna Music Festival, which will become an annual event, is a benefit concert at the Buskirk Chumley Theatre on Saturday, March 22, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres provided by Middle Way Food Works.

The evening will feature a tribute to women's contributions in the performing arts and offer a display of such musical genres as alternative rock and 1960s Motown. Highlights of the evening will include performances by Jenn Cristy, Brenda Williams and the Soul Providers, and Jennie DeVoe. Tickets are $25 each for general admission seating and are available through the Sunrise Box Office at 812-323-3020.

The Fourth Annual Women's Arts and Crafts Fair and Expo is scheduled for March 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Showers Plaza in Bloomington. This event celebrates the breadth of local women's visual arts and features a Women's Business Expo that showcases Bloomington's women-owned businesses.

In addition to live performances by local and student entertainers, the event will include interactive activities for children, women's business booths and craft demonstrations. SIFE's Fair Trade Bloomington project will have a booth at the event that offers unique artisan products from around the world, with purchases supporting global economic development initiatives. With support from the City of Bloomington, Cook Medical, Mundi Lingo Studio and Twisted Limb Paperworks, this event is free and open to the public.

"Partnering with these local organizations has been an exciting development for the Fair Trade Bloomington project," said Jessi Gitney, SIFE's Luna Festival project leader. "Our student members have gained valuable event and fundraising experience, and formed meaningful alliances that connect us to the needs and issues of area women and children. Funds generated through the two events will help support these organizations in their efforts."

The mission of SIFE's Fair Trade Bloomington project is to establish a non-profit fair trade retail store in Bloomington that provides opportunities for community residents to contribute to global economic development.

SIFE Indiana University Bloomington

SIFE at Indiana University Bloomington is a student group advocating service-based learning in the principles of free enterprise. The organization works on projects that improve financial literacy, business ethics, entrepreneurship, market economics and success skills locally and globally. The Department of Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design (AMID) in the College of Arts and Sciences supports SIFE financially and with faculty advisors who facilitate student projects. Faculty guidance is lead by Professor Mary Embry, a Sam Walton Fellow and faculty member in AMID's Retail Studies Program.

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