The Student Government Association and the organization Operation: Southern Hospitality hosted a University showcase Wednesday night to assist students affected by hurricane Katrina.
The event, which cost three dollars per person, brought in a full house.
Despite the rainy weather, many students pulled out their umbrellas to go to the Lee Hall Auditorium with hopes of helping others.
“I was really happy to see our school give back to those affected by the hurricane,” Brittany Burke, 19, a freshmen pre-med student said.
Burke lost her entire home last year due to several hurricanes. Burke, a New York native, said that she understood what victims were going through and is happy that some are receiving help.
Other students also thought that the benefit was a good way for students to show their support of hurricane victims.
“Everybody was glad to give and the three dollars really added up,” Carlos Bates, a junior political science student said.
Bates, 20, from Wildwood, said, “It showed a lot of school spirit and it made me feel good about myself.”
“It was structured and organized and I feel that the money raised will go to those who need it,” Adrianne DeVeira, 20, a senior biology-pre-med student said.
DeVira, who is from Boca Raton, attended the event with a friend who was affected by Katrina and said the student felt honored by the response to help victims.
FACES Modeling Troupe, Essence Dancing Troupe, House Arrest, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and FAMU Elite Dance Squad were just a few of the organizations that participated during the showcase.
“We did one selection and it was our first performance for the year”, Cristina Betts, 18, a freshmen business administration student said.
Betts is a member of the FAMU Elite Dance Squad and said that the event was touching. The Kansas City, Kan. native also said that students prayed for those who might be affected by Hurricane Rita.
The event raised $1200 for students affected by Katrina.
Phillip Agnew, SGA Vice President, and creator of Operation Southern Hospitality said that is was only one of the fundraising events that the group created to help students. Agnew said that the group raised funds at FAMU’s first football game, the convocation and at the prayer vigil.
“We just want to continue to provide funds for students who need assistance,” Agnew, 20, a business administration student said.
Agnew, from Chicago, Ill., said that Operation Southern Hospitality (OSH) wanted to make sure that the “pot stayed full” and funds will remain available for victims.
Agnew also said that the University will distribute the money those students in need and he has already seen progress. OSH plans to have a gala to raise money in the future.
OSH coordinates with various on-campus organizations and the administration to bring aid to students from Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi affected by Katrina from
Efforts involving the distribution foodstuffs, hygiene items, clothing, and other necessities to hurricane victims are available.
Those interested in donating monetarily to the FAMU Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund can call 599-3860 and for non-perishable donations can call the Office of Student Activities at 599-3400.
Contact Sarah Chester at famuannews@hotmail.com.