Fundraising
In early February 2013, extreme shifts in weather caused extensive flooding close to home, as the Muskegon River overflowed and forced the evacuation of residents along its banks. Suddenly, lives of our colleagues, friends, and neighbors were turned upside down. According to the most recent reports, approximately 89 homes have been affected between Garfield Road and 11 Mile Road in Rogers Heights, causing $4 million dollars in damage.
Unfortunately, this level of damage does not qualify for federal disaster relief. As a result, help from Ferris Students is desperately needed. To help raise money for this effort, the FSU Volunteer Center and Student Leadership & Activities office are asking you to participate in 2 events:
Between April 8-12, bring your spare change into the Student Leadership and Activities in Rankin 164. The organization with the most money raised by April 12th at 5pm will receive a free pasta bar for up to 50 people donated by the Vice President for Administration and Finance. Get the registration form here!
Between April 18- 27 help us sell bracelets, for a minimum donation of $2. Prizes will be award to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place top sellers based on total dollar amount raised. Get the registration form here!
1st Place: 8x4 Banner or custom tablecloth for your RSO value of $250!
2nd Place: $150 towards custom RSO T-shirts
3rd Place: $100 credit to Ferris Catering or Ferris Copy Center
For forms and details, visit OrgSync here: https://orgsync.com/18097/files/372119. Or, contact Student Leadership and Activities at 231-591-2606 or in Rankin room 164.
Volunteer Opportunity
The Southern Baptist Convention Relief Ministry is in need of volunteers to assist with cleaning up homes that were affected by the recent Muskegon River Flooding. Volunteers will be carrying trash, building materials, furniture, clothing, boxes etc. from a house to a dumpster. Volunteers will need to be able to lift and carry materials, have hard sole shoes, and gloves. Volunteers are needed for a variety of shifts between 9am and 4pm weekdays and weekends for approximately 2 weeks starting on Tuesday March 19th. Meals and transportation may be provided as appropriate. For more information or to sign-up to volunteer, please call Skip Maxson at 517-254-4519 OR 517-212-6193.
As a safety precaution, please note that volunteers are not to enter any premise that has NOT been cleared of dangers and mold. The Southern Baptist Convention Relief Ministry has trained staff to clean the inside of the house and are not permitted to use volunteers to do this.
Muskegon River Flood Relief
This past week, extreme shifts in weather caused extensive flooding closer to home, as the Muskegon River overflowed and forced the evacuation of residents along its banks. Suddenly lives of our colleagues, friends and neighbors were turned upside down. The return of bitter cold weather is compounding the problem, preventing people from returning to their homes. Some residents are facing the likelihood that their homes will be total losses.
According to news reports, approximately sixty homes were affected by the flooding; half of these were seasonal homes unoccupied in the winter. The area most impacted by flood waters is the mile and a half stretch between Garfield Road and 11 Mile Road in Rogers Heights.
Initial reports indicate that the damage, estimated to be as much $3 million, does not qualify for federal disaster relief. As a result, your help and support are sorely needed. Those affected are likely to have long-term needs beyond this period of emergency response.
What can you do to help?
Individually, the most efficient way to help is to donate money to existing relief organizations. If you have the means to do so, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army. For more details, contact the Big Rapids office at 231-796-5597
The Volunteer Center is also actively working with the Mecosta County chapter of the American Red Cross to help coordinate efforts by student organizations to match student volunteer efforts to those in need.
