The Online Reflector

University of Indianapolis faculty, staff and students coordinated efforts to raise funds for Haiti relief aid following the devastating earthquake that ravaged the country and left it in ruins on Jan. 12.

Mere days after hearing about the catastrophic conditions the 7.0 magnitude earthquake left hospitals, schools, government buildings, businesses and homes in its wake, student organizations launched fund-raising efforts.

UIndy’s Circle K International chapter sponsored a bake sale during Greyhound basketball Pack the House Night on Jan. 16.

The collegiate affiliate of Kiwanis International, Circle K had previously planned to use the money for a conference trip at the end of February, but once the board heard news of the destruction in Haiti, they changed their plans.

“We made the switch that week and notified all the members,” said senior and Circle K President Catilin Mannan. “We knew we would still be able to send members to the conference and told them that if they had any questions or concerns, they could let us know. No one did. We thought, let’s just go ahead and do this for Haiti, so we redirected our efforts.”

It’s always great when we can use our abilities to help others; it’s a great way to do what we love.

After a thorough baking frenzy the night before, Circle K managed to raise $221.51 that they hope to give to UNICEF, a partner organization.

“Part of our mission is to serve the children of the world,” Mannan said. “There are a lot of children being affected by this.”

The Catholic Student Association (CSA) and United Methodist Student Association (UMSA) combined efforts to raise funds during lunch hours the week of Jan. 25-29.

The group collected donations, as well as hung up hearts outside of the cafeteria in Schwitzer Student Center which students could purchase for $1. Proceeds from the Hearts for Haiti campaign will go to Catholic Relief Services and the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

“We do a lot of volunteer and service projects not necessarily related to the Methodist church,” sophomore and UMSA President Samantha Searls said. “This was really a question of humanity to help others. If something were to happen in our own community we would be just as responsive.”

The group did not have a set goal in mind, but managed to raise $443.35 by the end of the week.

Students involved in the local chapter of the Assocation for Operations Management (APICS) held a poker tournament on Jan. 22, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross. The group managed to raise $300 for Haitian relief.

“Right now, $10 of our money will go a lot further there than it would here,” senior and APICS member Sam Kingdon said.

The Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), comprised of two individuals from each sporting team on campus, held a “Loose Change Drive” at the Jan. 24 Greyhound basketball game and will hold another drive at the Feb. 4 game. The committee raised $32 at the first game.

“For the first night we had women’s volleyball work the women’s game and then we had women’s basketball work the second game,” said Assistant Director of Athletics and SAAC liaison Daryl Gibbs.

“So they walk around with a bin and ask everybody if they have any change available that they want to give. The effort works. We did a spare-change drive for [Jeron Lewis], the USI basketball player who died and donated to his charity $356.”

Having donated $500 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure this year and $1,600 to Make-a-Wish last year, community service is not new to SAAC, even if this time “community” is represented on a global scale.

“Anything will help,” Gibbs said.

The money raised by SAAC will go towards the university’s initiative.
Mu Phi Epsilon, the music department’s honor society, also decided to host an event in order to raise funds for Haitian relief.

A benefit concert will be held on Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center (CDFAC). Students, faculty, staff and members of the community are welcome to attend. No admission fee will be charged, but donations are encouraged.

“It’s always great when we can use our abilities to help others; it’s a great way to do what we love,” senior and Mu Phi President Joanna Nunley said. “Any time humanity is hurting we need to help. Even if the money doesn’t go to immediate relief, there will be years and years of rebuilding in Haiti.”

The concert will feature student and faculty vocal and instrumental performances.

Other organizations on campus plan on hosting events as well. Residence Life will sponsor hall competitions and an “RA Pie in the Face” event in the near future, donating money to the Timmy Foundation, an Indianapolis-based organization.

The Deliverance Project will also host a Thirst Indy Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 in CDFAC, with partial proceeds benefiting water purification efforts in Haiti.