Fundraising in the name of Ben Larson is underway for Haiti earthquake victims

The Luther College Student Senate Emergency Committee has begun accepting donations for Haitian earthquake relif in the name of Ben Larson, the 2006 Luther College graduate who was was killed in the earthquake.

The organization was started recently by a couple of Luther students and Decorah residents in response to the dire need in Haiti. The organization wants to raise money and goods, while raising awareness about the situation in Haiti.

The first initiative has been to place collection jars in businesses around Decorah and around the Luther Campus. Other initiatives that have already taken place include a telethon and a fund drive on campus.

On Thursday, February 9th, from 9:00 p.m. until midnight, T-Bocks will be sponsoring an Open Mic night, with a part of the profit to be donated to the cause.

On Wednesday, February 24th, in room 102 of Olin Hall on the Luther campus, Class of 2011 Luther student Lindsay Pruis will share her experiences of the earthquake. Other speakers will include faculty members and other students with previous experiences in Haiti.

A spokesperson for the organization says it is also considering a bake sale on campus and possibly the recording of a song about the earthquake in Haiti. William Montoya says "The response has been great from both the volunteers and those who have donated to the cause."

100 percent of the donations will be sent to the ELCA. For more information, or to make a donation to the relief effort, contact William Montoya at montwi01@luther.edu or call the Luther Emergency Committee at (563) 379-7202.