Thanks to the tremendous support of the RWC Tsunami Relief Aid Program held on Friday, January 14, $800 was raised within the first two hours of the event.As part of activities organized by UC President Nancy Zimpher, student, faculty, and staff of RWC gathered to learn more about the demographics of the Southeast Asian region affected by the tsunami, enjoy Indian and Chinese food at the dining hall, and take part in the RWC prayer group.
Dr. Thau Thambi-Pillai, UC Medical Center Transplant Specialist, and administrator with the International Medical Health Organization (IMHO), shared demographic and background information on the region and people afflicted by the natural disaster. Through Dr. Thambi-Pillai’s personal involvement in assisting the Southeast Asian region afflicted by the tsunami disaster, he shared comprehensive information on the damaging effects of the people, the damage specific to Sri Lanka, and the ongoing efforts of people world-wide who have committed themselves to assisting victims of the tsunami.
Debra Gray, a 1994 RWC alumna and current MBA student, shared email letters received from two friends and survivors living in Thailand and Sri Lanka. The emails described the horror they experienced during the merciless natural disaster.
The event was brought to a close with prayer for recovery for the victims and their families led by the RWC Prayer Group.
Students and faculty gathered in the dining area across from Montague’s Cafe as workers from Hi Bombay and Peking Garden restaurants served authentic Indian and Chinese cuisine for a minimum donation of $4. The spread included Chicken Biryani, General Tso’s chicken, fried rice, and Chinese mixed vegetables.
Helen Kegler, RWC Director of Multi Cultural Student Affairs, would like to express “a huge thank you to all of the students, faculty, staff, and administrators who supported the cause.”
The funds have been turned in to the Business Office and will be forwarded to the UC-Clifton Tsunami Relief Fund for distribution to approved Tsunami Relief organizations. Ms. Kegler affirmed that the generous donations “will definitely aid in helping the survivors and the restoration of so many destroyed areas in Southeast Asia and Somalia, Africa.”
Students, faculty, and administration who were unable to attend the Tsunami Relief Fund event at RWC but would like to make a donation, can drop off a donation in a sealed envelope at the Cashier’s booth at the One Stop Student Services Center. After regular hours of operation, donations may be submitted by using the mail slot across from the library.
Ms. Kegler would like to thank the groups and individuals whose efforts helped to make the fundraising effort so fruitful: International Student Group, Multicultural Council, Cultural Diversity Committee, RWC Prayer Group, Media, Maintenance Services, students Sajana Nannapaneni, Shredevi Banka, Shaermila Chakalikonda, and RWC graduate, Debra Gray, and faculty and staff Ranjoo Shanbhag, Shaorong Huang, and Diane Rogers.
For information on making donations to IMHO, visit their website at www.thousa.org/index.htm.