History
How It Started
In fall of 2005, Abid Virani posted regularly on a Xanga blog under the alias of FlyingSpider. On November 9th of that year, he wrote an entry regarding child poverty. Inspired by the multiple comments, Abid decided to start a club at his high school. With the idea of creating an International Aid Council, Abid began the process. Unfortunately, he was unable to find a staff advisor who was supportive of the idea and was eventually forced to change the plan. Abid approached his close friend Ashley Bondad with the idea of starting a club focused on sponsoring a child overseas. Enthusiastically, Ashley agreed to partner in such endeavors.
Together, Ashley and Abid worked hard creating proposals and outlines in attempt to find a staff advisor. Without success, the two were advised to join Centennial's Global
Outreach, an umbrella social action club that hosts various environmental
and humanitarian projects.
In September of 2006, the pair created SpartanKids as one of the various projects running through Global Outreach. After selecting an executive through an application process, SpartanKids jumpstarted the year with a fundraising campaign that brought in nearly $2000. Through this fundraiser, SpartanKids gained respect from the school and administrators alike. Portions of the funds were used to immediately sponsor a child, a young baby living in Niger named Fildoussou Harouna
After sponsoring a child, SpartanKids focused on throwing a benefit. In March of 2007, SpartanKids held an evening event hosting both speakers and performers. Gaining corporate sponsors and community assistance, the fundraiser brought in over $3000. The money was used to sponsor communities in various countries with children living in need.
Soon, other schools and students began approaching Abid and Ashley for assistance in creating similar projects and groups in their schools. The pair decided to form an organization fully dedicated to creating humanitarian opportunities for students. The organization is called Student Reach.
