The Charlottesville area has donated tens of thousands of dollars to South Asian tsunami relief efforts during the past few weeks.
Tsunami Relief Charlottesville, a one-day fundraising event, was held on the Lannigan Field Track Saturday. Students and others walked or ran around the track in memory of the tsunami victims.
Mark Lorenzoni, co-owner of the Ragged Mountain Running Shop and organizer of the event, said more than $8,000 was raised in a two-hour period Saturday morning.
"Considering the weather and that we had two weeks to plan the event, we were very pleased with the attendance," Lorenzoni said.
Madison House and the Virginia National Bank supported the relief event. Proceeds from the run/walk went to three charitable organizations -- the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the International Rescue Committee.
"It was a tremendous success," said Lonnie Kirby, director of financial development and public relations at the American Red Cross Central Virginia Chapter. "It was a great opportunity to be involved with other members of the community."
Lorenzoni said at least 250 people turned out. He said that the weather conditions -- freezing temperatures and impending snow -- and the early morning event time likely prevented more University students from participating.
Kirby said the organization has so far received more than $200,000 from the Charlottesville area, which the Central Virginia Chapter sends on to the national headquarters.
The chapter received $60,000 in response to the 2004 hurricanes.
Many different entities are involved in fundraising efforts.
An e-mail to University employees distributed by the Office of the Executive Vice President alerted the community to the Virginia State Employee Tsunami Collection Drive, an effort started by Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner. Employees can donate online or through mail through Feb. 4.
Harris Teeter has been selling donation cards of $1 and $5 at its checkout counters.
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