The Gem State Academy business club partnered with Christian singer Bobby Michaels through a concert Jan. 20 at the Nampa First Church of the Nazarene. The concert was well-attended and raised more than $2,300 for the club's trip to Cambodia, where they are working to start a business that will import Cambodian products into the U.S., giving work to new Christians that have graduated from a Christian trade school.

"I’m excited to start a business that will continue to provide jobs even after we have come home,” said Oscar Sanchez, business club member.

The concert also raised several hundred dollars for rice. A ton of rice, costing only $280, will feed 20 people for 3 months. This year the needs are greater than ever because of a famine.

Gem State students left for Cambodia Feb. 8. They distributed school supplies and school uniforms purchased with $1,500 they raised, enabling poor Cambodian children to get an education. They also worked with Bobby Michaels to give concerts in Cambodia and to distribute the rice they helped raise funds for.

The purpose of our business club is not just to teach kids how to make money, but about the good they can accomplish in the world with their business skills.