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November 9, 2001

Press conference at 蜜桔直播 kicks off" Buck$ for Truck$" fundraiser

The University of Louisiana at Monroe Student Government Association held a Press Conference today to announce a weeklong fundraiser with a goal of $9,000 by Nov. 16th.

SGA President, Michael Gray, says, "We know this is a short period of time, but with just $1 from every student and help from everyone on campus, we can achieve this goal."

Student government associations and other campus organizations at the eight University of Louisiana System schools are pledging to raise $78,000 (representing $1 for every student enrolled system wide) to help Louisiana buy a new fire truck for New York City.

To start off the fundraising efforts, The 蜜桔直播 SGA has already contributed to the campaign with a $500 donation. In addition to that, another $500 donation has been made from Tau Omicron Chi (Toxicology) and Pharmacy Student Council. The Greek Council is also raising money for this cause.

The Buck$ for Truck$ fundraiser is a University and community wide event. The week is full of activities to help with the effort. The fundraiser officially began with a Press Conference on Friday, November 9, 2001 at 12:00 noon in the Plaza near the fountain. Several City Officials were on hand to show their support as well as 蜜桔直播 administration, faculty, staff, and students.

Events throughout the week include money collecting at 蜜桔直播's Chili Cookoff in "The Grove" Saturday as well as at the home football game later that evening. Monday through Wednesday, students will be out in the Plaza on campus asking for donations. Also on Monday there is a meeting at 5:00 p.m. on the second floor of the SUB by the SGA Office. This meeting will be for any leaders of student organizations who wish to be involved with the fundraiser. Thursday the SGA plans on having firefighter games and a Pep rally in the afternoon in the Plaza. Friday will be the big ending and announcement of the total amount raised, hopefully exceeding the $9,000 goal.

Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation, collect money, or volunteer their time, please call Michael Gray at 342-5296 or email him at 蜜桔直播SGA@hotmail.com. Donations are tax deductible and can be made out to the Louisiana Fireman's Association. Donations will be accepted at any area Cross Keys Banks.

Faculty and staff are especially encouraged to motivate students. For example, 蜜桔直播 Economics and Finance Professor Dr. Ingram has already pledged to match any funds that his students donate up to $100. Also, Physics Professor Arlen Zander has pledged to match $2.00 per every $1.00 donation from students in his Physics 204 class.

Last month, Governor Mike Foster announced the state's fundraising drive to raise $500,000 needed to build the fire truck named, the "Spirit of Louisiana." The 1,000-gallon, pumper fire truck will be a gift from the people of Louisiana to the city of New York, which lost 35 fire trucks and ambulances on Sept. 11, 2001 when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center.

Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc., and the nation's 5th largest fire truck manufacturer are constructing the "Spirit of Louisiana" in Holden. Chris Ferrara, president and CEO, said Farrara employees are donating their time and working hard to be sure the truck is finished in time for delivery to New York on Christmas Day.

The Louisiana State Firemen's Association is the official collector of at-large donations and has helped the UL System with promotional materials. The LSFA also has helped partner local fire departments with ULS to promote campus fundraising activities.

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