From left, Rachel Eisenbrandt and Britt Argo, stand in front of the ‘Stars for Scholars’ sign posted on the doors of Aurora Cineplex in Roswell. Both Eisenbrandt and Argo, who work at the theatre, have family members who served in the armed forces.
Lindsay Moscarello
Area 51 Aurora Cineplex and The Fringe Miniature Golf in Roswell strive to teach a lesson in philanthropy with its upcoming fundraiser event.
Employees are helping promote “Stars for Scholars,” a nationwide fundraiser to benefit Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.
“The mission is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to those who have lost a parent in the line of duty,” said a news release.
While working at what can be considered the “ultimate first job,” a family entertainment center, “Stars for Scholars” is a program in place that “introduces young employees across the United States to the importance of taking action and giving back to charity.”
According to Area 51 an The Fringe Marketing Coordinator Britt Argo, both entertainment venues have “some employees with direct ties to the military” and serves to “motivate our team to help send other military children to college.”
Argo recalls initially participating with Fallen Patriots’ after Julie Dion, who is head of marketing for the nonprofit, reached out four years ago for The Fringe to participate in “Putt for the Fallen” fundraiser.
“They were asking miniature golf courses around the country to help collect donations,” she said.
She described the fundraiser as something that “spoke to our drive to partner with a group helping with education.”
Area 51 and The Fringe, according to Argo, “frequently partner locally with several schools and charities, but really found the National effort appealing.”
“We participated the last 3 years with ‘Putt for the Fallen,’ and when they reached out again this year for ‘Stars for Scholars,’ we were glad to continue helping,” said Argo.
The goal for local donations is “help a student get closer to their college dreams.”
According to Argo, Area 51 and The Fringe “have several employees here who recently graduated and are going off to college in the fall. We know it is a big exciting step for everyone and hope we can help others do the same.”
Any person that donates will receive a paper gold star to write their name on.
All stars will be hung at Area 51 in recognition of contributions.
Argo noted that the initial 500 stars were full within the first weekend of accepting donations.
The nonprofit strives for “paying it forward to military troops who have died in the line of duty by ensuring a bright future for their kids.”
More information is available at www.fallenpatriots.org.
Area 51 - Aurora Cineplex and The Fringe is at 5600 Commerce Parkway in Roswell.