UCA professors, staff and students used their talent to raise money for Haiti during the UCA Helps Haiti Benefit Concert on Jan. 23.
More than $3,056 was donated to the American Red Cross to assist in relief efforts.
In less than an hour, $800 was donated to the cause, with $300 given by Students for the Propagation of Black Culture.
“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. “As we went around and asked people to dig deeper, they were generous with their change and their dollars. 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 at Bear Den’s Pizza, which also donated $200.
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.”
Individuals have another opportunity to donate funds for Haiti.
There will be a Learning Communities Bwalo on Haiti, the people and the earthquake on Tues., Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. in Doyne Hall Auditorium on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas.
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.
“In order for us to help Haiti to recover, it will take more than money,” Stone said. “It will also take an understanding of who the people of Haiti are and their history and use that knowledge to help them rebuild.”
Casey Griffith, coordinator of the First- and Second-Year Experiences, will also spotlight the efforts of four well-known and reputable relief organizations working in Haiti — the American Red Cross, orphanCare International, Heifer Project International, and The Clinton Foundation.
Individuals can designate which organization to send their donation.
