The Communique

Issue date: 9/15/05 Section: News

Media Credit: KTR A U.S. soldier attempts to aid a victim of Hurricane Katrina.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina massive relief efforts from organizations, companies and individuals have been directed to the American gulf coast.

Kit Umscheid, a graphic designer in the Kirkwood Marketing Services department , had two brothers and her parents in the area when the storm hit.

"It's been a total loss," said Umscheid when referring to the property damage sustained by members of her family.

In light of recent events along the gulf coast Kirkwood Community College has been coordinating with campus organizations and clubs to help bring relief to the thousands that are in need in the affected areas. Five groups in particular will present their charitable donations to the American Red Cross tonight during the Eagle Aid Live effort, which will air from 7-8 p.m. on cable channel 11.

The groups contributing to the cause include the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the Animal Health Technology Program that from the sales of bracelets collected money for the Animal Relief for Hurricane Pets fund, the Agricultural Business organization that collected about $300 in donations as well as a substantial amount of canned food items and the SIFE organization that donated roughly $250. Since the disaster occurred Kirkwood's Student Senate has been collecting money to reach a goal of contributing $2,000. Some of Student Life's contribution came in the way of a Kirkwood student who turned down his payment of $50 after playing guitar for a fund-raiser in favor of having it put toward the American Red Cross relief effort. It seems that the giving will indeed go beyond what is to be expected at the Eagle Aid Live effort.

"Groups and organizations can still contribute to the American Red Cross through Friday," said Coordinator of Clubs and Organization Shirlee Dietrich.

The Eagle Aid effort will be centered around a live one-hour broadcast produced by Kirkwood Student Productions (KSP). The program will include comments from Kirkwood Alum and Cedar Rapids Mayor Paul Pate, American Red Cross spokesman and Cedar Rapids native Peter Teahan and Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich. A live band known as Butter and Sugar will be playing outside of the new bookstore where a cash cube will be set up for students to drop money into during the broadcast.

"It will be a great opportunity for students to get involved," said Gale Smetana, assistant professor of career option and KSP adviser.

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