By Fritz Klug
Western Herald
When Darius Machado heard that an earthquake shook Port-au-Prince, Haiti, he said at first he was shocked, then he realized that he needed to do something.
As president of the Western Michigan University International Programs Council, Machado began organizing a fundraiser. As he started talking to other Registered Student Organizations about it, more and more wanted to be a part of it.
First there were six, then 10, then 15. The number of groups kept growing until now there are 27 RSOs registered to take part.
WMUnited for Haiti will be held Friday, March 12 in the Bernhard Center East Ball Room from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The event has also received support from the Campus Activities Board, the Graduate Student Advisory Council and the Western Student Association.
The $3 cover charge will be donated to the American Red Cross for Haitian relief. There will also be silent auctions, T-shirts on sale, and other giveaways. Additional donations will also be accepted.
Even though the earthquake took place some two months ago, Machado said there is still a large need for aid. “They need to build from the ground up.”
Kalamazoo Mayor Hopewell will talk about Kalamazoo’s role in the relief effort, as well as a representative from WMU’s administration and the Kalamazoo Red Cross.
The speakers will be followed by live entertainment from various RSOs. The Malaysian Student Association will have a small acoustic set, the Dominican Student Organization will perform a Dominican dance, and the WMU theatre department will stage a series of scenes from plays, to name a few.
The Merchandising Opportunities Design Association will be presenting a 30 minute fashion show. Deanna Ansara, president, said that this is the first time her group has worked with other student groups on campus for an event.
“It’s cool to see how every RSO is drastically different but can come together and put on a show,” she said.
Machado said the event is possible because everyone has been able to contribute a little bit.
“Here people are fighting for more [text] messages,” Machado said. “There, they are fighting for a roof over their head.”
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