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| Public Affairs - Press Release | |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 16, 2004 Contact: Regina L. McCray (662) 329-7119 MUW offices sponsor Tsunami Relief event COLUMBUS, Miss. – The Mississippi University for Women Office of Community Service in collaboration with the MUW Hearin Leadership Program, Hearts-A-Fire and the Red Cross will host a Tsunami Relief event Monday, Feb. 21 and Tuesday, Feb. 22. The organizations will have a “Make and Take Heart Shaped Ceramic Medallion” activity in Hogarth W Room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The idea came about after a discussion between Iika Taylor McCarter, director of Diversity Education and Programs, and Curlis Knowles, Office of Community Service coordinator. Both women wanted to lend a helping hand to the victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami. Knowles knew of Pauline Rodman, the creator of Hearts-A-Fire, the name of the ceramic hearts to be made at the activity, and her past work with the Red Cross. Rodman created hearts for the Red Cross and gave 100 percent of the profit to the organization. McCarter and Knowles thought that this would be an excellent way to collect donations for the relief. McCarter believed that partnering with other organizations would be more beneficial to the cause. Knowles said, “I think that this campus-wide fundraiser is a good thing. As students, we have challenges but the tsunami relief victims have greater challenges. So, if we are in a position to help, we should.” McCarter hopes that more than 100 students, faculty, staff and community participants lend a helping hand. She expects to collect at least $500 in donations for Tsunami Relief. The Hearin Leadership Program will help offset the full cost of the medallions, which will allow each participant to receive a $5 medallion for a donation of only $3. “It is not often that an opportunity comes for us to make a difference on such a level as this. The aftermath of the tsunami is much greater than any of us could probably imagine,” McCarter said. “I, for one, felt an urgency to do something and decided that I would probably not let what I felt be a fading thought but do something. I can only hope that others feel the same and will come out and make this event `world-changing.’” MUW faculty, staff, students and the community are invited to participate. For more information, please contact the Office of Community Service at 662-241-7470 or McCarter at 662-329-7352. |
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