Benefit Raises Money for JSC Student's Sudan Relief Effort

James Mabior and fellow Sudanese refugees Johnson State College student James Mabior and his friends, several of them fellow Sudanese refugees, helped raise money for the Werkok Youth Development Association in Sudan at Club Metronome in Burlington on Thursday, April 17.

Mabior started the organization while a student at JSC to help rebuild his home community in Sudan. Money goes to fix wells and improve water supplies — both of which were decimated by the country's civil war — and also helps promote clean water, job training, leadership skills and education in Werkok.

Mabior, a member of the Class of 2009, is a business management major who also is seeking a certificate in nonprofit management. His advisor, business Professor Todd Comen, helped him create a five-member board of directors — all JSC students — for the Werkok nonprofit organization.

Diners at the benefit are treated to Sudanese food

The fundraiser at Metronome featured a Sudanese dinner and live music by the reggae-funk band Spiritual Rez. Students in JSC's Business and Hospitality Management Program hosted the event.

In photo at top, Johnson State College students, from left, Daniel Ayuom, James Mabior, Aleer Chol and Deng Adit attend the benefit.

At left, diners at the benefit were treated to colorful surroundings, lively music and a full Sudanese dinner.

In third photo, Johnson State College students, from left, Maegen Bulley, Katelyn Bevins, Staci Cutting and Allyson Cota helped host the benefit.

Johnson State College students help with the benefit In fourth photo, Chef Wade Noble of Stowe tends to a huge pot of Sudanese food.

In fifth photo, African spiced broccoli and cauliflower salad was one of the salad options at the benefit. (ALL PHOTOS BY DARIA BISHOP)

Chef Wade Noble of Stowe

Sudanese food