September 21, 2007 - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

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6 September 21, 2007 Feature www.smumn.edu/cardinal Volunteer efforts near 1,500 hours BY BETSY BAERTLEIN Features Editor During the weekend of Sept. 8-9, 314 Saint Mary’s University students volunteered for flood relief, contributing a total of 1,479 hours of service. This was part of a kickoff for relief efforts sponsored by SMU Volunteer Services. Students went to the towns of Minnesota City, Houston, Stockton, and Rushford to help with tasks such as light construction, yard work, tree removal, mucking, power washing, clothes folding, and river cleanup. Although SMU immediately responded to the flood by housing the Red Cross shelter on campus and sending out faculty and staff just two days after the flood, this was one of the first opportunities for students to get involved. SMU worked with Winona County and agencies such as the Mississippi River Center and Edina Realty to send aid where the need was greatest. However, much more still needs to be done, said Katie LaPlant, director of student activities and volunteer services, who estimates that relief efforts will continue for at least two years. Right now, said LaPlant, people are waiting for their houses to dry out, and only after this happens can the real construction begin. For the next two to three months, there will be volunteer opportunities for students to help with the cleaning and gutting of homes. If students would like to be involved in upcoming relief efforts, they can go to www.smumn.edu/floodhelp to fill out a form. LaPlant said that “there is no better way to carry out the Lasallian charism than empowering community and bringing hope to those who feel hopeless.” With the continued efforts of SMU students, said LaPlant, this mission will be realized. photo by Betsy Baertlein Sophomores Hillary Stenzel, Tom Briese, Vanessa Grams, and Sarah Weir display garbage they helped gather from the river during a volunteer weekend, Sept. 8-9. Photo Poll: What was your reaction to the flood? I was surprised to hear what had happened but glad I could help rebuild what was lost. Libby Perkins Freshman I was SHOCKED. Phil Thomas Sophomore It was nice to see SMU as a Red Cross relief center. Joey Torres Junior I was really surprised and upset, but glad the community came together. Anna Skonieczny Senior photos by Kristina Perkins
www.smumn.edu/cardinal Feature September 21, 2007 7 SMU rocks for relief Habitat and Catholic Charities to benefit BY EMILIE FISCH Cardinal Staff Rockin’ for Relief, a benefit concert for victims of the flood in Southeastern Minnesota, was held on Sept. 7. All Winona community members were invited to attend this benefit. The event was co-sponsored by Volunteer Services and Campus Ministry. Admission was $5 for students and $10 for adults, which covered the cost of food as well as live entertainment and games. Among the bands that played were SMU alumnus Adam Stasica; SMU campus band Bookreader; The Monday Saga, featuring SMU alumnus Brandon Mathieus; and SMU alumnus Mike Munson. Another large part of the fundraiser was a live auction which raised $1,087. Combined with the money from admission and donations, Rockin’ for Relief raised a total of $5,398.78 total. Proceeds went to Habitat for Humanity and Catholic Charities. There are other ways students can help with flood relief efforts. Several volunteer groups from SMU have helped on weekends, and more opportunities will be offered in the future. Students interested in volunteering can contact Katie LaPlant in Volunteer Services. photo by Kristina Perkins Mike Munson (’04 ) entertains the Winona community to raise money for flood victims in Southeastern Minnesota. Flooded with loss: one victim’s story BY THERESA BREAULT Cardinal Staff For those affected by the floods in Southeastern Minnesota, the possibility of a life-changing disaster was far from their minds. Such was the case of Saint Mary’s University freshman Kasey Warnke, who lived in Stockton, Minn. Rains started to pour Aug.18, 2007, and Warnke’s entire home, from her basement to the top floor of her house, was soon flooded. When the time came for Warnke to move in to SMU, the only possessions she had here were a pair of shoes, a pair of flip flops, and a half-full garbage bag with the only clothes she could salvage. Everything else was lost with the rest of her home. Weeks later, Warnke still has not been able to get over the initial shock of such a disaster. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet that I have no house to go home to. I have no baby pictures to show my own kids anymore. I have nothing,” said Warnke. Through the tragedy, however, organizations that have responded to victims’ cries. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has supplied the Warnke family with $26,000 in flood relief. Although “I have no baby pictures to show my own kids anymore.” it doesn’t even come close to compensating for the loss of their home or the two cars that were destroyed along with it, it will be used to help get them back on their feet. SMU has also been doing a great deal to help out with victims such as Warnke. Rockin’ for Relief raised nearly $5,400 for flood victims. Two-hundred athletes, along with an additional 112 other students from SMU, have volunteered their time to aid in the cleanup of towns affected. Although this will never make up for all of the losses suffered, we can only hope that, in the end, it will help brighten these very dark times. Statistics on flood damage: Clients served by Red Cross: 1,497 No. of people sheltered: 510 No. of meals served: 56,086 No. of snacks served: 124,882 Homes affected: 4,200 Apartments affected: 40 Businesses affected: 70 Homes completely lost: 256 Homes with major damage: 338 Homes inaccessible for some time: 475 Rainfall: Winona, Minn.: 5.10” Witoka, Minn.: 17.00” La Crosse, Wis.: 12.20” La Crescent, Minn.: 11.58” Rochester, Minn.: 11.10” Compiled by Danielle Larson. Sources: WKBT La Crosse, National Weather Service, Winona Daily News
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September 21, 2007 - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

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