“Girl Rising” Screened at Azure Hills Church by Kristopher Sarikas - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

“Girl Rising” Screened at Azure Hills Church

By Kristopher Sarikas, Community Writer
October 17, 2013 at 08:40am. Views: 82

The Fellowship Hall of the Azure Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church was filled with members of the community as the church held a film screening in honor of International Day of the Girl. On Saturday evening, Oct. 12, the church screened a documentary that doubled as a global action campaign entitled “Girl Rising.” The film shared the story of nine young women from around the world who have dealt with various hardships including forced marriage, domestic slavery and sex trafficking. Despite their circumstances, each of these nine women shared a common dream: receiving an education. According to Azure Hills Youth Pastor Dante Marruffo, “Girl Rising” was chosen for the screening to help spread awareness of these issues that many endure on a daily basis. “I think many people who live here in the United States don’t have an idea [that this is] going on out there, and I think that they need to be aware of how blessed we are having any kind of education,” said Marruffo. Before the screening, Child and Family Pastor Patty Marruffo monitored a complimentary snack bar, which provided chips, soda and other treats to snack on during the film. Patty Marruffo explained that all provided snacks were complimentary, and many attendees offered donations that were used to cover the costs of providing the film. “Girl Rising” provided many facts relating to young women, education, and child abuse: according to the film, around the world, there are 33 million fewer girls than boys in primary school, and, in addition, a child born to a literate mother is 50 percent more likely to live past the age of five. Event attendee Raewyn Hankins shared her thoughts and feelings about the film. “The stories were moving and some of the statistics were shocking,” said Hankins. But, she explained, she saw a silver lining. “I feel like even though there were many dark statistics, the stories were full of hope and encouragement.” After the film screening Dante Marruffo spoke words of encouragement and challenged the audience to help spread awareness of these issues, and to take them into consideration in their own daily lives.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 504

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 585

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 503

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 309

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 530

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 681

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 652

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 740

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 506

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 452

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 728

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 358

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->