UCA professors, staff and students raised more than $3,300 for Haiti during the UCA Helps Haiti Benefit Concert and a lecture on the country and its people.
The BoomersAbout $3,348 was donated to the American Red Cross to assist in relief efforts.
“The support of the community, the students, faculty and staff at UCA was amazing,” said Jayme Millsap Stone, director of Learning Communities and one of the event’s organizers. “… We were touched by the public’s generosity.”
A massive earthquake struck Haiti on Jan. 12, causing catastrophic damage and claiming thousands of lives. Various agencies assisting with the disaster relief asked that the public send cash instead of food, water or clothes.
UCA faculty and staff brain stormed about the best way to help. Within three days, organizers put together the benefit concert. More than 15 groups consisting of faculty, staff, students and Conway residents volunteered to perform. The event was held Jan. 23 at Bear Den’s Pizza, which also donated $200.
The Students for the Propagation of Black Culture donated $300.
A Learning Communities Bwalo on Haiti, the people and the earthquake was held Jan. 26 in Doyne Hall Auditorium.
Stone, an instructor of history, will give a brief history of Haiti; Jerry Reynolds, an associate professor in the Department of Geography, will talk about the earthquake; and Jeff Allender, an assistant professor in the Department of Geography, will speak on the human geography of Haiti.
Individuals donated money to the orphanCare International, Heifer Project International, and The Clinton Foundation toward Haiti relief.
Collen Joslin, director of the American Red Cross of Faulkner County, said she was thrilled that UCA and the community wanted to support the organization’s efforts and Haiti.
“The support and outreach from UCA students, staff, faculty and residents of central Arkansas is greatly appreciated,” Joslin said. “It really shows the continued support of Arkansans, and what they can do to make a difference not only in their state but worldwide.”