'Feed the Children:' Malvern-based Rajant Hosts UNICEF Benefit

MALVERN, PA — On Halloween nights throughout the years, trick-or-treaters opened their bags for candy and held out little orange boxes, saying “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.”

When the pandemic broke out in 2020, the longtime UNICEF tradition took a new twist, launching an online experience for children to collect money to feed children suffering from hunger.

Malvern-based tech company, Rajant Corporation, is keeping the spirit of the “Orange Box Kids” concept alive with its third annual “World Music Benefit” to raise money for UNICEF.

The benefit, featuring musicians, a silent auction and more is set for 6 to 10 p.m, Tuesday, Nov. 8 at City Winery Philadelphia, 990 Filbert St.

UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, is a worldwide charity supporting the unrest in Ukraine, impact of COVID-19 pandemic, malnutrition in Africa and more.

The gala will shine light and celebrate the strength of children, showcasing a series of stories depicting the courage and resilience of children from around the world impacted by hardships such as the unrest in Ukraine and the pandemic.

Robert Schena, Rajant CEO and co-founder, said the company began to focus on UNICEF in 2020 with the Trick or Treat Virtual campaign.

In the first two years, Rajant raised $125K online in collaboration with UNICEF’s local Philadelphia chapter.

“Everyone involved with the Rajant World Music Benefit for UNICEF is volunteering their time and talents,” Schena said.

“Together, we will bring greater impact to ensure every child is healthy, protected, educated, and respected. Please join us.”

A long history in Philadelphia and beyond

UNICEF originated in the early 1950s in the Philadelphia region to feed vulnerable children following World War 11.

Mary Emma Allison began handing out little orange boxes in Philadelphia to the children to collect money for UNICEF when trick-or-treating.

Alice DiSanto, vice president of marketing at Rajant, said everyone growing up in the Philadelphia metro area is aligned to the history of the “little orange boxes.”

DiSanto said Rajant believes there is a little orange kid in all of us eager to give back and make a difference.

“As a child growing up in New Jersey, it is the first major giveback I ever felt part of and UNICEF provided that at an early age of six,” she said.

Rajant has produced five UNICEF, “I Want To Be an Orange Box Kid” videos with adults and children participating that will be shown during the event.

“Philadelphia’s spirit of Brotherly Love is wrapped up in the tradition of helping UNICEF,” DiSanto said. “We cannot wait to meet fellow “Orange Box Kids” in downtown Philly.

Tickets and more information is available here.