In light of the devastating earthquakes in Haiti, Associated Students of Madison named today their Haiti Relief Day of Action.
ASM, along with Wisconsin Student Public Interest Research Group, organized a number of fundraisers throughout the campus and city to benefit the Red Cross.
On campus, University of Wisconsin students can donate cash, change and checks at marked tables in various campus buildings throughout the day.
Grainger Hall, Memorial Union, Gordon Commons, Holt Commons, Agriculture Hall, Birge Hall and the ASM office will host donation tables throughout the day, according to Student Service Finance Committee Chair Brandon Williams.
ASM Co-Chair Tom Templeton said ASM was originally approached by WISPIRG, which asked for help organizing fundraising for Haitian relief.
“We wanted to do something campus wide and make as big of an impact as we can,” Templeton said.
In addition to organizing sites on campus, State Street restaurants will contribute to the effort, some through single donations and some, such as Hawk’s Bar and Grill and Steep and Brew, donating 10 percent of today’s proceeds.
Zander’s Capitol Grill has also set up a donation box on the reservation stand and the owner will match all funds raised.
“Getting the area business (involved) was a huge stride,” Williams said.
ASM set up an e-mail account where people can write their thoughts for the Haitian people. ASM will send the e-mails to relief organizations that will use the messages to spread hope throughout Haiti.
Legislative Affairs Chair Adam Johnson hopes today will improve the campus image of ASM. Both he and Templeton said a lot of work went into the day, and they hope the work will pay off with large donations.
“ASM isn’t really known for doing a lot. [But today,] you can see us out there and see us working” Johnson said.
He added it is also a day to improve the student body image to the larger Madison area.
“[Today is an] opportunity to mobilize students. If every student gives a quarter, that’s $10,000,” Johnson said. “I’m secretly hoping for double. $20,000 or more would be a phenomenal help.”
With a little more than 450 students attending the event on Facebook and people donating throughout the city and campus, Templeton believes the fundraiser has the potential to amass up to $42,000.
Templeton said he faces today with mixed emotions.
“I am anxious and excited (for) this project,” Templeton said. “I’ve been tweeting like crazy and I’m ready to go. It’s going to be a big day.”
WISPIRG Chair Scott Thompson said he is excited about today, adding ASM deserved thanks for their effort.
“It is really cool to see all the work put into it so quickly and know the effects will be wide-ranging and far-reaching,” Thompson said.
