Youth Leaders Making a Difference

Chess Without Borders has a mission of combining chess education with service and philanthropy. As a result youth have not only become precociously alert to many social issues but have understood the power they can have to make a difference in peoples lives.

For the last 5 years Chess Without Borders in collaboration with Salem United and BarringtonUnited Methodist Church have hosted a Christmas lunch for ex-prisoners and their families in Chicago. The sponsors provide funds for a meal and gifts so that their hosts feel that others care about them. Many families have very little and this event may be the only special meal for them. At the luncheon some voluntarily give moving testimonials about the difficult lives they have had with poor support systems around them. The experience of helping and making this possible has been rewarding for all who attend.

Abhijit Gehlaut a senior at Barrington High School is the project leader for this luncheon. He has been an active volunteer for the last 5 years and has experience in organizing many long and short term projects during this time. He was busy selling food and keeping score at the tournament held on Sat the 9th of November. The tournament raised $300 that was donated towards this mission. In addition Abhijit will collect gently used or new toys, hats, scarves and winter jackets for his guests who attend the event.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer is welcome to email at: chesswob@gmail.com