Raven’s Claw Raises $3,000 for Project SHARE Thanksgiving Drive
Members of Raven's Claw met with Bob Weed '80, CEO of Project SHARE (center right), to discuss how the fundraiser's donations would be used. As it turns out, Project SHARE bought Thanksgiving turkeys for those in need.
Honor society continues its long history of community service work and making a difference
by Tony Moore
Founded in 1896, Raven’s Claw is Dickinson’s oldest men’s honorary society, and members have continually worked on service projects in the Carlisle community—and beyond—since the beginning.
Recently they tapped into alumni across decades for a fundraiser benefiting Carlisle’s food bank, Project SHARE. And as Bob Weed ’80, CEO of Project SHARE, says, “It’s amazing what seven dedicated people can do for the community!”
Raven’s Claw ended up collecting more than $3,000 for the local nonprofit, which was used to buy turkeys for Thanksgiving dinners for those in need. And to members, it’s all about giving back to an organization doing great work in a place they love.
“Being away from campus for the fall semester has not only made us appreciate Dickinson more, but it has made us appreciate the Carlisle community and all that it has provided us over the last few years,” says Joey Volpe ’21 (international business & management), a member of Raven’s Claw. “We felt there was no better way to help those in need during this difficult time than to go through the ones that do an incredible job of that on a regular basis. The work that Project SHARE does in the community is crucial, and we wanted to help them in any way we could.”
The Dickinsonians behind the funding drive knew that if they reached out to Dickinson alumni, they’d “jump on the opportunity.” And they did.
“We are extremely grateful to have the support that we do from our alums and understand that one day soon that will be us,” says Connor Ringwalt ’21 (policy management), noting that Project SHARE is the perfect place to start for anyone looking to contribute to the local community. “Not only can you be sure the money raised will be used for a great cause, but it’s hard to find a better person to work with than Bob Weed. He’s a proud Dickinson alum and now a great friend to Raven’s Claw!”
Weed says that this type of support from Dickinson, its student body and the greater Carlisle community is vital to continuing Project SHARE's mission. And while it aides Project SHARE, it also shines a light back on Dickinson and the missions its students have chosen to undertake.
"It's inspiring to all of us here at Project SHARE and to the community to witness how this generation of Dickinson students can rise to the challenges of our times and still remember those who are in greater need," he says. "The leadership the Raven’s Claw society members demonstrated in this undertaking makes me even prouder of my own Dickinson roots."
Raven’s Claw does work in the community each year, and this latest push is just one success among many. And it comes on the heels of an even bigger effort.
“One of our more recent fundraisers, and one that we are incredibly proud of, was the one we led over the summer for the National Black Child Development Institute,” Volpe says of an event that helped Raven’s Claw raise more than $21,000. “As an honors society, we understand that we are leaders on campus and are expected to model the behavior we hope to see from all Dickinson students. We don't take this lightly and look forward to the opportunity to do so.”
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Published November 23, 2020