Frigid fund-raiser brings in $4,400 for Habitat
Feb. 18, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- The Brothers of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at Western Michigan University braved the cold and elements for two days in a "Campus Camp Out" that raised more than $4,400 for Habitat for Humanity.
According to ATO President Justin DeGraaf, fraternity members raised a total of $4,485, of which about $2,200 was raised in sponsorships before the event and $1,330 came in the form of cash contributions from students and faculty during the frigid fund-raiser.
The ATO camp out took place on two of the coldest days this winter, with temperatures hovering around zero degrees. DeGraaf said the camp out was intended to draw attention to the plight of the homeless as well as raise money for Habitat for Humanity.
For 48 hours, beginning at noon Tuesday, Jan. 21, members of the fraternity camped out at the flag poles near the Lee Honors College at the center of the main campus. Money raised went toward a Habitat house to be built by WMU students as part of the 2003 celebration of the University's centennial.
For the centennial Habitat house project, WMU students are working with the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Habitat for Humanity through their campus chapter of the organization. For a related WMU News article click here.
Those wishing to make contributions by check should make checks payable to Habitat for Humanity and write "WMU Centennial House" on the check. Contributions may be mailed to Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity, 525 East Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo MI 49007-3811.
Media contact: Thom Myers, 269 387-8400, thomas.myers@wmich.edu