Hunger and homelessness in Central Florida will be brought to light Thursday evening in an interactive simulation at the 15th Annual Hunger Banquet.
The banquet "demonstrates in a very real way the inequalities we have in society," Volunteer UCF Director of Hunger and Homelessness Jessica Schwendeman, said.
From 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Pegasus Ballroom, students will see and feel what it's like to be separated into different social classes.
Participant's meals and seat locations will be determined by the social class indicated on the ticket they receive at the door.
UCF senior Lalita Booth will share her story about her seven-year journey from being a divorced, homeless mother, to becoming a successful, married college student.
Also speaking will be Rachael Todd, a representative for the HOPE Foundation for the Homeless, Inc., which was founded by her mother.
Schwendeman, who has been spreading the word about the banquet with other volunteers, feels like homelessness is one of the most misunderstood problems in society. She said a surprising number of homeless people are high school graduates and some have also attended college.
"They read three or four books a week," Schwendeman said. She said they especially love reading mysteries and fantasies, things that remove them from the pain of their own situation.
The banquet, which is also considered a LEAD impact event, will not only be informative about hunger and homelessness in Central Florida, but it will also provide students with connections to other organizations where they can earn service hours.
Other organizations that will be present at the event include: Rock for Hunger, Second Harvest, Society of St. Andrew, Habitat for Humanity UCF chapter and the Sociology club.
"Hunger and homelessness is preventable," Schwendeman said. "We need to provide a bridge between the people who need the help and the people who want to help."
Though there is no admission fee, students are encouraged to bring donations, which can include: Loaves of bread; nonperishable food items; blankets; warm clothing; books; reading glasses; and hygiene items.
Students who donate two canned-food items can earn 1,000 Link Loot points.
When asked what she wants students to come away with at the conclusion of the banquet, Schwendeman said she hopes that they come away with a call to action and a desire to get involved in their communities, especially in regard to the problems of hunger and homelessness.
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