Men of Distinction raise money to fund scholarships

In order to raise money to help improve African American male student enrollment retention rates, the Men of Distinction (MOD)hosted a yard sale and charity auction on Sept. 2 at Northridge campus.

MOD is a group aimed to assist African American males with their education not to mention increase the number of African American males attending ACC.

The program, developed in 2007 by Voncille Wright, Rio Grande campus dean of students and Cheryl Richard, Student Life director is geared towards assisting MOD participants with their financial, educational and social challenges.

"The overall purpose of the program is to improve African American male retention, graduation, and transfer rates which currently lag behind other ethnic groups," according to the group's website.

In 2008 MOD was awarded an $86,000 grant to support the program and this year's yard sale was MOD's first annual scholarship fundraiser event.

Program Coordinator Jarell McCuller said the initial goal was to raise $500, but the actual amount raised went well over $700.

Items sold at the yard sale ranged from objects such as luggage bags and purses to lotions and sunglasses.

In addition to the yard sale, MOD hosted a raffle during the event. Prizes given away in the raffle included a mountain bike, gasoline gift card, Chili's gift card, and movie passes to the Alamo Drafthouse.

Koren McNeil, a staff member working for the program since July 2011, said it's fulfilling to see people progress, pointing out that anyone of these men could be the "next president."

McNeil pointed out that the money raised will help fund the first annual scholarship program in Spring 2012 in which two members will be awarded $750 each.

Many donations were given to support the program from places like Chili's, Alamo Drafthouse, Olive Garden and Double Dave's pizza.

MOD member Marcell Jules said that his church also made a donation with other donations coming from other churches.

Jules joined the program this semester and believes it will help men like him succeed.

Those interested in making a donation to the scholarship fund, joining MOD, or finding out about future MOD events can contact the Men of Distinction office at 223.5665 or mod@austincc.edu.