By Iryna Dzyubynska

Students from across Kentucky marched from Stoll Field to Triangle Park on Saturday to abduct themselves and bring awareness to the use of child soldiers in Uganda.

“Invisible children kidnapped everyday, until they’re rescued we’re here to stay,” the students shouted while marching through the streets of downtown.

“Our goal tonight is to provide the source for bringing all abducted children home once and for all and to bring Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, and his generals to justice,” said Eric Ruppel, an economics and German studies junior and a volunteer at the event.The event, called “The Rescue,” was designed to raise awareness on the issue, to raise money for the cause and to prevent further abduction.

Local participants stayed at Triangle Park from 4 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday, to bring attention to the issue through artwork, games, live music, raising donation money, showing the video of the abducted children and writing letters to government officials.

“I came here tonight because I think what they’re doing to children in Africa is horrific, and we should help because we can,” said Laura Young, a senior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.

Throughout the event, children, families and other members of the Lexington community joined in.

“Apathy is no longer acceptable,” said Gina Ware, a psychology junior.

“The Rescue” also included guest speakers Colmon Elridge, a representative from Gov. Steve Beshear’s office, and Diane Lawless, 3rd District councilwoman on the Urban County Council.

“This issue is very important and we must continue to deposit our commitment to it,” Elridge said.

Invisible Children — the organization that put on “The Rescue” — has been running globally for six years. Past events have included “Global Night Commute” and “Displace Me.”

Almost $700 — which was more than the original goal — was raised and more than 200 letters were submitted at the Lexington event. Additionally, $375 was raised toward the same cause at the art show and benefit concert at Common Grounds on Friday, April 17.