A young man's good deed

Is it too far-fetched to think one teenager can make a difference? Not if it's16-year-old Jared Spile of Calabasas.

A sophomore at Calabasas High, Jared co-founded a school organization called "Deeds for Darfur," which is raising funds to help alleviate the human struggling in that troubled African region.

So far the club has raised about a thousand dollars. Not much for some, but a gold mine by Darfur standards.

The group's biggest fundraiser to date will be a benefit concert at 7 p.m., June 6 at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center.

Donations will be forwarded to Jewish World Watch (www.jewishworldwatch.org), a genocide awareness group.

"Naturally, I'm appalled by the murder, rape and other oppression occurring in Darfur," Jared tells The Acorn. "What really caught my attention, however, was the blatant manipulation of the people who carry out these horrific acts.

"I am also troubled by the fact much of the world remains silent while this is occurring."

Jared has worked hard to get ready for the June 6 concert. He convinced three bands to give volunteer performances: Neighborhood Super Heroes and Blackout 101 from Calabasas, and Unknown Motive from San Diego. His own band, Neighborhood Super Heroes, which was formed in 2004 and broke up two years later, is getting back together for the show. Jared plays bass guitar.

"We hope to create a proactive tone among our peers to stand up against manipulation, mistreatment and oppression of the less fortunate in Darfur and throughout the world," Jared says.

We're lucky that the young people of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Their energy and lofty goals help change come about.

If you'd like to assist Jared with his worthwhile cause, he can be reached via e-mail at spezboy22@aol.com.