Inside Iowa State

March 30, 2007

Events that do good, part of YOUR April

by Samantha Beres

Veishea week aside, the third annual This is YOUR April presents a month chock-full of events. This is YOUR April events are coordinated by the division of Student Affairs and open to everyone. The intent is to provide enhanced programming on campus throughout the month. Many of the events support a cause, such as Outreach Africa and the Relay for Life.

Fighting Hunger

Outreach Africa is a collaboration between ISU Student Volunteer Services and Outreach Africa Inc. that will send meals to hungry families in Tanzania. ISU and community volunteers are asked to sell hand-woven baskets and/or coffee from Tanzania. Proceeds buy a nutritional stew mix, which is sent back to the families who wove the baskets and harvested the coffee. There is a packaging event on April 14 in the Memorial Union Sun Room from 9 to 11 a.m.

"We are looking for volunteers of all ages," said Jacey Tevis, president of Student Volunteer Services. "Last year, students, faculty, staff and members of the community took part, and we're looking to get that same mix this year."

Last spring, 75 volunteers packaged 15,000 meals. This year, Tevis said the goal is for 100 volunteers to package 25,000 to 35,000 meals. So far, there are 40 volunteers.

At the packaging event, Floyd Hammer, President of Outreach Africa Inc., Union, Iowa, will talk on hunger issues in Africa. Hammer's non-profit organization focuses on helping families in Singida Town and Nkungi Village. This year, the organization has sent 235,000 meals.

To buy baskets ($12-$30) or coffee ($11), e-mail Jennifer Garrett, garrett1@iastate.edu. To volunteer, e-mail Niki Duffy at nduffy@iastate.edu.

Fighting cancer

The Relay for Life is an overnight event at the Lied Center that supports the American Cancer Society. Teams keep at least one member on the track at all times, running or walking.

For many participants, this is an event that hits close to home. Iowa State graduate student Kirstin Leih will relay in memory of her father. Leih has raised more than $1,000 and her team has raised more than $2,000. ISU senior Kim Behrend, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma last year, has raised more than $300 for her team.

Along with the relay, there will be a "Survivors Lap" to honor cancer survivors, and a luminaria ceremony in memory of those who have lost or won the battle with cancer. Luminarias can be purchased by contacting Lindsay Brown at brownl@iastate.edu. Suggested price is $10.

The event runs from 7 p.m.

April 13 to 7 a.m. April 14 with a goal for more than 100 teams to raise $75,000. Last year, 62 teams raised more than $50,000. Teams still can join. Team registration for the relay is $50 and if registrants participate in the event, the $50 will be applied to their team's fund-raising totals.

Donations will be accepted online until Aug. 1. To make a donation, go to www.stuorg.iastate.edu/cac/Home.html, click on "Register for 2007 Relay for Life," then "Make a Donation." To volunteer, contact relay co-chair Krystal Obbink at kobbink@iastate.edu.

This is YOUR April

Events are supported by the April Cooperative Advisory Board for This is YOUR April. Events are free unless noted. Call 4-2549 for more information, or visit www.sac.iastate.edu/thisisyourapril for a complete schedule.

Thursday, April 5

• 8 p.m., Lecture, "PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions for Ordinary Lives," Frank Warren, free, Great Hall, MU (see story on p. 7).

Friday, April 6

• 7 p.m., Game night, Mac User Groups LANfest, atrium, Howe Hall, bring your computer.

Saturday, April 7

• 7:30-11 p.m., Global Gala, semi-formal multicultural dance celebration with entertainment, Great Hall, MU.

Tuesday, April 10

• 8 p.m., Sketch comedy, The Deviants, Great Hall, MU.

Friday, April 13

• 7 p.m., Fund-raiser, Relay for Life, until 7 a.m. April 14, Lied Center.

Saturday, April 14

• 9-11 a.m., Fund-raiser, Outreach Africa, lecture on hunger and packaging meals for Africa, Sun Room, MU, must preregister to nduffy@iastate.edu.
• 4 p.m., Concert, Freeman Spring Concert, various bands, Forker parking lot, www.stuorg.iastate.edu/fac/.

Sunday, April 15

• 4-7 p.m., Festival, Freddy Fun Fest, games, climbing, DJ, Frederiksen Court green and community center.

Friday, April 20

• 12-3 a.m., Pancake feed, $2, north of Campanile.