In the days immediately following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, University students have mobilized to respond to the crisis on the Gulf Coast.
As early as Aug. 31, University students were working on ways to solicit volunteers and donations for relief operations.
"I'm amazed by the response," said second-year College student Jessica White, a New Orleans native.
White said talk of coordinating volunteer efforts and donations began at a dinner for students from New Orleans.
"It was nice to get together for support," she said. "But we wanted to get the ball rolling to get the community involved."
The immediate result, the Katrina Aid and Relief Effort (KARE), worked in cooperation with the Office of the Dean of Students and athletic director Craig Littlepage to put together a fundraiser at Saturday's football game against Western Michigan.
Blue Ridge Graphics donated T-shirts to the 90 student volunteers who showed up to collect money during the game at every gate in Scott Stadium.
"It was an interesting mix because it was kids from Louisiana and Mississippi whose homes were destroyed, but also students who come from places that are nowhere near the Gulf Coast," said volunteer and third-year College student Allison Murphy.
KARE raised $60,477.04 at the football game. Several volunteers noted students were much more generous than expected. Five checks alone totaled $25,000, and White said that there were numerous single donations of more than $1,000, too. At present, KARE is trying to get Gap or Polo to match the football game donations with an equivalent sum.
"You have to give a lot of credit to the students," Littlepage said. "It was the students who approached us with the idea and the support of the [Office of the Dean of Students]."
He added that the athletic department is looking for ways to help the relief effort at future games.
"Whether it's the [homecoming] Duke game or something else, we need to put our heads together," he said. "The needs of our friends in the Gulf Coast will be long-term, and we certainly are proud of our students for what they have done."
Since the football game, efforts to raise money for those affected by Hurricane Katrina have continued to be strong around Grounds.
Sunday night, members of the University community packed into the Chapel for an a cappella concert featuring the Virginia Belles, Silhooettes, Hullabahoos, Virginia Gentlemen and CHoosE. The concert was hailed as a success, raising $3,000.
The Seven Society also donated $10,777.77 to KARE. A letter addressed to the leaders of the relief organization cites KARE's "compassion and willingness to help in this time of need."
The Charlottesville chapter of the American Red Cross is also working with University students.
"Delegation is very important," said third-year College student Raleigh Anne Blank, who is KARE's point-person for Red Cross donations. "Right now things are being run primarily through KARE, but we are going to wrap things up by next week."
Both White and Blank said KARE plans to cease its fundraising activities by Thursday but will sell Mardi Gras beads on the Lawn throughout the week.
Dean Clarybel Peguero, who has been working closely with KARE student leaders over the course of the past week, agreed with White and Blank that a decrease in KARE's presence on Grounds is the correct course of action.
"From the start, our goal has been to coordinate," Peguero said. "I have been referring anyone who has requested information [about the relief effort] to KARE, but it is getting overwhelming."
Citing the large increase in CIO donations and the enormously complex task of coordinating volunteer efforts, Peguero emphasized her belief that it is important for KARE volunteers -- many of whom come from areas affected directly by Katrina -- to return to life as students.
"We know that people in New Orleans and Mississippi need our help [and] we are extremely impressed with what our students have done," Peguero said.
She is reminding students that the Red Cross is a good source of information about how to make donations and volunteer time.
For example, according to Blank, the Red Cross initially requested only monetary donations. It is now accepting other items, and anyone interested should contact the Red Cross in Charlottesville directly.
In addition to the efforts of KARE, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) held a bake sale on the Lawn Monday through Wednesday.
"We were shocked," said NSCS Chapter President Milena Arciszewski, commenting on the generosity of University students and staff. "We were expecting $50 a day, but ended up getting about $50 an hour."
NSCS added another $950 to the sum of donations for KARE.
"People seemed eager and extremely motivated to help, but it's important that students know how to get involved," Arciszewski added.
Blank and White both said that KARE is now working to redirect student resources, citing increased involvement of the Virginia Services Coalition and an upcoming food fest scheduled for next week, co-sponsored by the Asian Student Union.
In addition, along with inter-dorm fundraising competitions and numerous quad activities, individual first-year dorms have plans to contribute to the aid effort.
"We're just trying to make sure our residents appreciate what the larger University community is doing," said fourth-year College student Nathan Vassar, Senior Resident of Webb dorm.
Webb residents are planning an event with a New Orleans-related theme to raise money for those affected by Katrina.
Several events at Corner establishments have joined the effort as well in conjunction with students.
Mellow Mushroom hosted a concert last night featuring performances by five local bands. Proceeds from door entry, Mardi Gras beads and a compilation CD of the bands playing in the concert will all go to the relief aid, according to concert organizer Deke Shipp.
"Students have just been really wonderful," said Shipp, who looked forward to a successful event.
Tonight, there will be a bar night at the Biltmore. Again, proceeds will go to the relief effort.
In the long term, according to KARE leaders, the University is planning a trip in conjunction with the Darden School over Winter Break. The purpose of the trip will be to help rebuild small businesses in New Orleans. Blank also points out that the Red Cross in Charlottesville is organizing trips to New Orleans to drop off donations.
The outpouring of support has continued.
"People realize that this is a long-term problem, and that's very encouraging," said third-year Engineering student and New Orleans native Amir Shahien.
"Everyone has been wonderful," White added. "So many people have sent me supportive e-mails or attempted phone calls."
In the aftermath of Katrina, many cell phone subscribers have been left without service. According to White, while some have changed their service, she has not.
"I'm keeping my 504 number," she said.
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