Benefit to help war victims

In an effort to raise funds for the "invisible children" caught up in the war in northern Uganda, local students are hosting an open house art benefit in Agoura Hills.

The Sat., June 3 event was organized by Elizabeth Finders, a senior at Agoura High School, and Meredith Macgregor, a junior at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village. It will be held at Macgregor's home, 5740 Grey Rock Road from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Invisible Children is a nonprofit group dedicated to ending the 20-year war in northern Uganda, where rebel soldiers scour villages and kidnap children, forcing them to fight as soldiers, and sometimes using them as human weapons.

"One-hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the children of northern Uganda, helping to set up refugee centers for their safety and schools to educate them," Finders said.

A screening of the documentary film, "Invisible Children," which captures the plight and struggle of these children, will be shown at about 5 p.m.

A variety of art work will be sold from about 50 contributing artists from the community. Student artists from many local schools donated artwork for the benefit, as did professional artists who support the cause.

The organization will also sell products to raise additional funds for Invisible Children. All of the proceeds will be donated to the charitable group.

Finders said they hope to raise $2,000, which will be used for what she called "the movement, the mission and the educational program.

"I think that this event is unique in that it allows all different types of people to contribute to the cause," Finders said.

For further information on the event or the plight of children in northern Uganda, call Elizabeth Finders at (818) 8894165 or e-mail her at efinders@gmail.com.