Spring Break
UM-D raises $3,000 for Red Cross Tsunami Relief and Recovery Effort
Cristen Kish
Issue date: 2/15/05 Section: News
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The reflection luncheon, sponsored by over 20 clubs and organizations, raised about $3,000 for the Red Cross.
Student Government President Farhan Latif opened the luncheon by outlining the goals he wished to accomplish through the organization of the relief efforts.
Latif wanted to build awareness and educate the campus community about the tsunami. He also wanted to collect money to help the Red Cross and tie the campus community together while adding another dimension to humanity.
Chancellor Daniel Little spoke after Latif and said, "I think it's inspiring how the different organizations have come together. $3000 is a significant achievement...I'm very proud of this collaboration put together here at the University of Michigan-Dearborn."
Latif then asked the crowd for a moment of silence and reflection before Dr. Poonam Arora's presentation on the tsunami victims.
"It's not one family, it's all of our families who have been hit," Arora said.
Dr. Orin Gelderloos followed Arora's presentation with one of his own,entitled Tsunami of Tamil Nadu South India. He showed pictures and maps and talked about the events of Dec. 26 (when the tsunami hit) and the after effects.
Following the presentations, Honor Syer, editor-in-chief of the Lyceum and Lyceum visiting writer P.F. Potvin, read poetry.
Leena Hadied of Students United for Peace and Justice, and Mira Mikati, president of the Pre-Professional Health Society, also contributed to poetry readings.
The Student Activities Board provided a jazz musician who played while lunch was served and door prizes were awarded.
Almost 300 people bought tickets and the event was attended by 100-150.
Mikati, who helped to organize the luncheon, deemed it a success and said, "The amount of people that showed up and bought tickets is a testimony to this event's importance and success and show that people still do care."
Students who attended the event paid $10 for tickets while faculty and staff paid $15. The first 100 people received teal-colored rubber bracelets inscribed with a wave and the word "tsunami."
Because the event was completely sponsored by clubs and organizations, all proceeds went directly to Red Cross Tsunami Relief and Recovery Effort.