Members of the student organization, Organization of Unique Individuals (OUI Club), spent part of their winter break emailing and phoning each other in an effort to organize an event on campus to help the people of Haiti after their devastating earthquake. An emergency meeting of the organization’s officers was convened, where the concept of spreading “A Little Love on Campus” was born.

“The first question we asked when we all met during our emergency meeting was ‘How fast can we do this’?” said Marybeth Melendez, president of the organization. “We knew we wanted to do something, and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it all came together,” continued Melendez.

The “A Little Love on Campus” Valentine relief for Haiti fundraiser will be held on Thursday, February 11 in Buildings 1P and 1C from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. A raffle prize consisting of a Valentine lunch for two at Li Greci’s Staaten, two movie tickets to the United Artists Theater, and Valentine’s Day accessories such as sparkling cider and wine glasses, will be the feature item at the fundraiser. “Although this raffle prize can truly serve as an emergency Valentine’s Day kit for the person who wins, raffle purchasers beware–a date is not included,” mused Melendez. In addition to the raffle prize, club members will be selling fresh roses, heart-shaped balloons, chocolate candies, and baked goods. Many of the items for the fundraiser were donated by local businesses such as ShopRite, Chuck Full o’ Nuts, Party City, Li Greci’s Staaten, United Artists, Walgreen’s, Renato’s Bakery, and Jembro.

Sara Gaither, the OUI Club’s advisor, commented, “I’m so honored and proud to be a part of OUI, and our Valentine’s Day Haiti Relief Fundraiser is just another testament to this club’s dedication to service and community. We are all looking forward to working together on many exciting future projects.”

When he learned of the Haiti fundraiser, Christopher Cruz Cullari, Interm Director of the Office of Disability Services, was immediately proud of the group’s instant reaction to the Haitian disaster. “I am so thrilled that the Organization of Unique Individuals is taking a leadership role for the people of Haiti by sponsoring a very special fundraiser for the College community. It is a fitting example and testament to their contributions to not only our College community, but to the world.”

All proceeds raised at the fundraiser will be donated to the American Red Cross for their Haiti relief efforts.