The world of writing: In Eric Hendrix’s English composition classes, students choose the global issues that interest them for their writing and research assignments, created from the Seven Revolutions, a bi-partisan Washington-based think tank addressing the seven major national and international issues facing the millennial generation. One student’s study of green construction even led him to choose his major – construction management.

Beyond the books: Hendrix recently took his students beyond the books when he invited them to incorporate into their assignments first-hand experience with a fall fundraiser he organized for KIDS Place, a children’s advocacy center in Franklin that provides counseling and services coordination for abused and neglected children.

An evening of community hope: Hendrix dreamed up a dinner fundraiser while reminiscing about the days he owned Mi Casa Restaurant in Franklin. KIDS Place and Macon County Department of Social Services representatives worked with Hendrix and others to plan a “Mi Casa Night” themed on “Esperanza,” which is Spanish for “hope.”

WCU faculty join effort: Joining Hendrix from WCU in providing event entertainment was guitarist Steve Wohlrab, an assistant professor of music, and Norma Smith, part-time instructor of art. Treasures auctioned off for charity by Dodie Allen of Sylva included Hendrix’s much-requested key lime pie recipe and one of Smith’s paintings.

Local experience, global significance: WCU student volunteers helped decorate the hall, serve food, fill drinks and greet about 150 attendees. They wrote about the experience and what they learned from people who work with KIDS Place. They also drew connections to information about the increasing influence of nongovernmental organizations in world affairs from the Seven Revolutions education project.

Missions accomplished: “We raised $2,500 – enough money to cover the final expenses for the diagnostic equipment used by a KIDS Place volunteer pediatrician. The evening truly was a success for KIDS Place and our students, who saw how important it is to be involved with local communities on very practical levels and how far a little effort can go,” said Hendrix.

Pictured at right, a student volunteer serves food to the "Mi Casa Night" crowd. Photo courtesy of Christie L. Fulcher.