Bella Mezzaroba Capstone

For my capstone, I hosted a fundraiser  in support of an organization based in Panama called the Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project. The organization acts as a Noah’s ark for endangered amphibians and is currently researching a disease called Chytridiomycosis, a fungal infection responsible for a number of frog species going extinct.

I held bake sales to raise initial funds to purchase food, decorations, and raffle items for the event. I met with numerous people to help me iron out the logistics of event planning. The event itself was held on April 28th in SLA’s cafe. There was food, live music, a raffle and a speech made by me. There were a few other elements such as a “Write a Note to the Frogs” station where attendees could write a note on a frog cutout about their feelings on amphibians. My own pet frog was the guest of honor. At the end of the event, we raised about $200 for the Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project.

I chose to focus on Chytridiomycosis and amphibian conservation because it is a cause near and dear to my heart. Frogs and toads have always been an important part of my life. They’re such intricate and integral creatures that I feel do not get enough attention. A decline in frog population is a clear message that our environment is in danger. I truly believe that fighting for frog conservation is a step in the right direction for not only the amphibians themselves, but for environmental stability.

Link to Presentation
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vwlFwRzVoqq5NHO5B2lC5S1cr12cYKcrk6TaSOxoNsc/edit?usp=sharing

Annotated Bibliography


"Frightening Statistics." Amphibian Ark. Amphibian Ark, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2016.


This page is from the Amphibian Ark, the umbrella organization for the Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project. On this page, various statistics on frog population decline are presented. 165 frog species are thought to be extinct in the wild and 500 species are believed to be threatened so immensely that extinction cannot be staved off. These type of staggering statistics are the reason I chose to undertake this project.


This source is reputable and reliable. The Amphibian Ark is a leading organization in frog conservation and their work is well recognized. The statistics are backed by various research institutions, all of which are reliable as well.


"Chytrid Fungus." The Amphibian Chytrid Fungus and Chytridiomycosis. Amphibian Ark, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2016.


This is another publication from Amphibian Ark. This one is an extensive overview of the chytrid fungus and what is can cause in frogs. It breaks down the biological jargon that may be hard to understand to someone who isn’t learned in fungal infections. Basically, Chytrid is a type of fungus with over 1,000 types, thriving in moist and wet environments. The species of Chytrid that is infecting frogs is called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis or Bd. Bd is the only Chytrid fungus that affects vertebrates


The only reason I would question this source’s reliability is the lack of named authors. I trust that the Amphibian Ark put out reliable information but, in order for this source to be doubtlessly trustworthy.



"Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project." Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project. N.p., n.d.   Web. 05 Feb. 2016.


This is the organization in which I am donating the funds I gather from this project. It is called the Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project and is working to conserve frog species in . It’s an organization under the Amphibian Ark (AARK), an umbrella organization that encompasses other similar projects dedicated to the conservation of amphibians. The three principal partners are the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Conservation Breeding Specialists and the Amphibian Specialist Group. Currently, there are 30 frog species that have been identified by AARK as priority rescue species.


This organization is working to fight a disease called chytridiomycosis which is caused by a bacteria called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Currently, the Amphibian Rescue is working on researching the bacteria and possible cures for it.


"Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project." Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2016.


This is a video put out by the Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project. The video summarizes everything that’s happening in Central America concerning the bacterial disease. It uses persuasive methods common in PSA’s. I actually intend on using some of these tactics when I make my posters. It’s a helpful PSA and I plan on using the video itself at my event.


The video is made by Amphibian Ark, which is a reliable source. Therefore, I feel that the information presented can be trusted and I have no qualms of using this video to help further my cause.


Chytridiomycosis (amphibian Chytrid Fungus Disease). Canberra: Dept. of the Environment and Heritage, Natural Heritage Trust, 2004. Web.


This is an article published by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources about Chytridiomycosis and it’s presence in Northern America. According to the publication, there are 14 confirmed amphibian species in Ohio that are afflicted with the disease. This source is a detailed report of the effects of Chytridiomycosis in the United States. The work that the Panama Conservation Centers are doing will help environmental programs across the world.


This source is very reliable. It was published by a governmental department in the state of Ohio.

This source is a published report done by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources of their findings concerning the fungal disease. I trust that the claims they make are reasonably made.


Groves, Eric. "Organizing Perfect Events." Small Business Trends. N.p., 21 Jan. 2010. Web. 05 Feb. 2016.


This is an article about organizing the perfect event. It gives specific tips on how to create an atmosphere before the event that promotes event inclusivity and sparks person interest. It also gives tips on how to successfully gather feedback from those who attend the event, which is something I plan on doing.


This article was written by a man named Eric Groves. The site has a short biographical snippet on him. He has over 20 years of experience with building sales and business development. He built the sales and business development departments of the organization he works for, Constant Contact. Constant Contact is a site that helps small businesses market their products. I’d consider an article written by this man reliable, as he is well informed on the subject and is a professional in his field.


Hawthorne, Randy. "5 Ways to Get More Out of Your Next Fundraising Event." Nonprofit Hub. N.p., 12 Feb. 2014. Web. 05 Feb. 2016.


This source can help me plan a successful and impactful awareness event. It’s a short and concise list of tips and tricks for getting people interested in my event. I’ve never planned an event before so this will be a very helpful source. It outlines techniques for making my cause clear and making my cause relevant which I something I know I will struggle with. I definitely need guidance for this aspect of the project.


I’d consider this source reliable. The domain is a .org and there is a listed author. The author, Randy Hawthorne, is a Professional Certified Marketer and has worked on marketing and organizational leadership to various organizations. He also does workshopping with high school students on entrepreneurship.


"How to Organise an Event to Raise Money / Awareness for Your Organisation." Knowhow Nonprofit. Just Giving, n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2016.


This source is about event planning and effective marketing techniques. It covers the obvious things such as how to generate interest in the event as well as logistical aspects, such as ticket sales. It also addresses the fact that, in order for an event to flourish, sponsors are almost always necessary. This page presents a series of questions that I may not have necessarily thought of prior such as, “who will help me clean up.” This website will help me plan a smooth running, detail oriented event.


I don’t know how confidently I can speak to this sources credibility. There isn’t a stated author but the domain is a .org which leads me to believe the site is mildly reputable. Overall, I don’t think this source’s credibility is even that important. I’m not using it for facts, I’m using to for help on


Rosenblum, Erica Bree, Jamie Voyles, Thomas J. Poorten, and Jason E. Stajich. "The Deadly Chytrid Fungus: A Story of an Emerging Pathogen."PLOS Pathogens:. Ed. Hiten D. Madhani. N.p., 29 Jan. 2010. Web. 05 Feb. 2016.


This source is an academic article about Chytridiomycosis. The article covers the basics, such as what the fungus is, what is does and how detrimental it has been to frog populations. This source also goes into more detail on the biological reasons this fungus is infecting amphibians.


What’s so useful about this article is that everything is cited. Every claim is cited and the authors of the articles are clearly stated with a link to a page of their credentials. All four of the authors work in biology or zoology at various Universities. This source is one of the most reliable I’ve found.

Whittaker, Kellie, and Vance Vrendenburg. "Chytridiomycosis."Chytridiomycosis. N.p., 11 May 2011. Web. 05 Feb. 2016.


This source expands upon the disease chytridiomycosis and it’s wide spread effects. The bacteria, Bd, which causes it, has been found on all continents except Antarctica. There is no cure yet for the disease. However, conservation centers, such as the one in Panama, have tried various treatment methods such as increases salinity in the water given to the frogs and increasing temperature.


I would consider this source reliable. It’s filled with claims, all of which are cited. All of the information can be credited to scholars, articles published for academic purposes, or organizations dedicated to mitigating the loss of amphibians to chytridiomycosis.



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