About our Philanthropy

UF VSO holds fundraisers every year to raise money for our philanthropy determined annually by the Union of North American Vietnamese Student Associations (UNAVSA). Through the Collective Philanthropy Project (CPP), many Vietnamese Student Associations work collectively to raise money for a singular cause. CPP is an initiative for Vietnamese students and community organizations to collaborate to work towards a common cause. 

From jar wars, our pho fundraiser, and more, our fundraising directors plan and execute various fundraisers throughout the year in order to raise money for our philanthropy. 

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Our CPP beneficiary for the 2023-2024 school year is Rock Paper Scissors. Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund was founded by Sara Nerone and her two daughters, Sophie and Phoebe, both born in Vietnam. After living in Vietnam in 2011, the family created the organization to support underprivileged students living in rural areas with after school programs in the arts, creating a space of mentoring and community for the students. As the organization grows, their mission has focused on girl's education through their Bikes for Girls Program, summer tutoring program for ethnic minority girls, and after school programs in the arts for girls and boys to build self-confidence, self-esteem, and the love of learning.