Special to the News-Herald

Our 41st President George H.W. Bush was once asked about the importance of volunteerism, which he equated to individuals being generous with their time. Commented the President, &uot;I take as my guide the hope of a saint: in crucial things, unity – in important things, diversity – in all things, generosity.&uot;

Even though the former leader’s words were spoken over a decade ago they are both appropriate and reflective of an effort being undertaken by a group of Nansemond Suffolk Academy Saints (their nickname) in support of an internationally known area hospital.

This group of NSA students are led by Amallie Zahralddin of Driver, who is spearheading local youth involvement and participation in a gala fundraiser sponsored by the Norfolk City Union of The King’s Daughters, to benefit the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. The event, scheduled for Feb. 21, is the Junior Mardi Gras, which will be held at Nauticus from 7 to 11 p.m. Designed for attendance by 13-17 year-olds the event will feature formal attire. Tickets are available for $20. Additional information can be obtained by calling 668-7098.

Monies raised through this event will be used toward the purchase of highly specialized equipment for CHKD, which continues to benefit children throughout Hampton Roads.

Through Zahralddin’s efforts, a Junior Circle was formed at the local private school dubbed &uot;The Circle of Saints,&uot; with the express purpose of raising money for NCUKD for use by CHKD in various projects. Under the Junior Circle Program, which collectively raised $7,000 in 2003, the NSA &uot;Circle of Saints&uot; has held or participated in other fund raisers including, &uot;the Ghoul Gala,&uot; participation at &uot;Driver Days&uot; and a Fantasy Shopping Night at Norfolk’s MacArthur Center.

&uot;Amallie has been instrumental in starting a Junior Circle based out of Nansemond Suffolk Academy,&uot; said Sherry Lieberman, NCUKD president. &uot;Since starting a Junior Circle in Suffolk, Amallie has been a force to be reckoned with when it comes to organization and accountability in the fundraising arena. She is dedicated, dependable and highly intelligent. Her involvement as co-sponsorship chair of the Junior Mardi Gras has been phenomenal.&uot; Lieberman concluded, &uot;She has not had any apprehensions about expanding her efforts in order to raise money for CHKD. Truly, Amallie is an asset to our organization.&uot;

Today, NCUKD is a corporation comprised of Senior, Honorary, and Junior circles with a combined membership of over 1,000 women throughout the Hampton Roads area.