In Our Own Backyard

Meet Enza

Enza Ruscillo hosted a fundraising party at her family's Greektown café in Toronto to support the cause. Guests described the event as "epic" and "legendary". Door person was Enza's 11-year old nephew, wearing a Because I am a Girl t-shirt.

Girls' rights are human rights

Enza believes it is her duty as a woman to do whatever she can to ensure that girls around the world are given the bare necessities – clean water, education, and a proper birthing environment. She says she gets frustrated when she hears how girls are being robbed of essentials "At times I cry and yell because this type of treatment has gone on for centuries – why does it still exist? Thank goodness for Plan Canada and Because I am a Girl. They affect change in areas that are crucial to girls. Because I am a Girl gets the job done!"

Enza saw the movement as a natural cause to support through her 40th birthday party, held at her family's café, T&M Sidewalk Café. Enza charged a $5 entry fee – or whatever people felt like donating to the cause. After expenses, she raised $300 and says, "Just as important, I wanted to create awareness... get people talking about Because I am a Girl... get people thinking."

Enza describes the party as being charged with positive energy as 160 guests "danced, talked about Because I am a Girl, danced, laughed, and danced some more!"

Boys support the cause too!

"My nephew Joseph – 11 years old – was my door person," says Enza. "We are teaching my nephews that young kids can help. We don't always need to give money – we can give time. Kids can make a difference. He wore a Because I am a Girl t-shirt and read the marketing material. He worked from 8pm to midnight. He made a difference! And Joseph spoke about his experience to his classmates on Monday, and now they are interested in fundraising for Because I am a Girl!"

Enza has organized fundraisers for causes for 20 years and most recently Parties with Purpose: Amazing Parties that support a charity of choice. "People will always go out for drinks, dancing and come together," says Enza. "I bring them together and show them that they can give back – make a difference while partying. It's a win-win situation."

More parties to come

Enza has created a Because I am a Girl Dream Team of fabulous women – artists, DJs, dancers, corporates and entrepreneurs. She says she hopes to organize more parties to support the movement, with the next one planned for April.

When asked to complete the sentence 'Because I am a Girl...', Enza has no hesitation: "Because I am a girl, I must help other girls!"

You go girl!

Girls are the answer. And so are you.