Circle K bridges outreach with youth charity event

On Sunday April 28, Geneseo’s chapter of Circle K International hosted the Breakfast for The Bridge in the KnightSpot. The breakfast raised money for The Bridge children’s program for underprivileged youth in Mount Morris and featured performances by three of Geneseo’s a cappella groups.

“We’ve done some work with the afterschool program, and they’re very poorly funded,” said sophomore Alexis Brieant of Circle K. “[The owner] is pretty much running it by himself, and he’s trying to help these kids … We wanted to help out, and the kids deserve it.”

After serving a buffet-style breakfast including eggs, bacon, home fries and fruit, Hips ‘n’ Harmony took the stage, followed by Exit 8 and Between the Lines.

Highlights included Hips’ mash-up of Justin Bieber’s “Baby” and Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” Exit 8’s version of “Dancing in the Moonlight” and Between the Lines’ “Too Close.”

 “It sounded like fun. There was free food, The Bridge sounds like a good cause and we decided to do it,” President of Between the Lines senior Dan Gole said.

Freshman Matt McClure said he took advantage of the combination of experiences offered at the event.

“You get to eat and listen to music. It’s the perfect mix,” he said. “And this might be the last time to see an a cappella concert this semester.”

Jim Sutton who runs The Bridge attended the breakfast and said he appreciates the much-needed support.

“It’s going so well, but the big issue is the finances, which is why I’m so glad [Circle K] is doing this today,” he said. “A lot of people don’t want to donate because of the caliber of kids I’m working with.”

Sutton’s organization was officially founded in 1978. He said that The Bridge seeks to “provide one-on-one time for all of their needs and hurt, to live out biblical principles to the kids and to provide good, clean, safe, fun times.”

According to Sutton, the children who attend The Bridge face issues of violence, poverty and more. By visiting The Bridge, children ages 4 to 15 have access to handheld radios, video games, crafts, recreational activities, books, computers and even Bella, the pet cat.

“When the kids come in, a sign above the mirror in the bathroom says, ‘You are somebody.’ And they are unconditionally loved,” Sutton said. “If they’ve got an issue, we’ll help them.”