Helping others doesn’t have to be a chore.
Ottawa locals and students alike were able to pitch in to relief efforts for Haiti survivors Saturday at the Haiti Relief Fundraiser Dance.
The event was hosted by Prairie State BBQ at the Ottawa Country Club. A $10 entry fee was charged at the door, but all proceeds are being donated to a good cause: helping the victims and survivors of the Haiti earthquake.
Perhaps most surprising is the fact the event was organized by local high schooler Kelley Rosey, a student from Pilgrim Bible Academy.
Rosey, like many people, wanted to aid victims of the earthquake that has left over 200,000 dead and millions homeless.
“I just wanted to do something meaningful that allowed people to donate money, but also realize it’s both fun and satisfying to help with humanitarian efforts,” Rosey said.
Rosey received the idea to start a fundraiser from watching news reports on the suffering endured by Haiti citizens and began enlisting help from friends, family and coworkers to spread the word and make it happen.
Ottawa University student Audrey Paine, sophomore, works with Rosey and.
“I was asked to help invite people and create awareness for the Haiti Relief Dance, so I sent out a mass e-mail to all OU students and faculty,” Paine said.
Proceeds from the dance totaled to be about $400 with 40 attendants.
Tickets were handed out at the beginning of the event for a raffle of a guitar provided by Ottawa Music.