Recently, members of Riverdale High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) held a retreat to brainstorm how the club could do more than compete in District and state events and raise money for competitions and charities. They wanted to advance their knowledge of business outside of the classroom while providing community service.

So co-president Ashley Rodriguez, a junior, suggested the group volunteer at a local animal shelter to give back to the community who

has supported them over the years.

“It is physical interaction, working within the community,” said Rodriguez. “It sounds like it would be fitting for everybody.”

Andrea Calkin, Gulf Coast Humane Society volunteer coordinator, went one step further to help the group. She is conducting the orientation necessary to become a volunteer on April 15 at Riverdale. Word has spread as other students at the Riverdale High have heard about the effort and are signing up, too.

Club treasurer, junior Alexis Moff, said she feels this is a good opportunity for doors to be opened in the future.

“I know I can volunteer there this summer,” she said. “It helps serve the community.”

So far this year, Riverdale FBLA has spearheaded schoolwide efforts to raise money for the American Red Cross for Haiti relief efforts, the Children’s Miracle Network and the March of Dimes. Students are currently collecting DVDs for soldiers in Iraq and pet food for Lee County Animal Services.

In addition, FBLA members sold fresh roasted coffee with their own label, held an auction and sold beef sticks this year. They also reached out to local businesses for sponsorship for their upcoming state

leadership conference. Some 23 students are attending the conference and competition at a cost of $7,000. Several students have advanced to the national level the past two years.