Howard University Students Raise Money to Help Out in Haiti

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Renee J. Nash

Office of Information and Public Affairs 202-806-3623

rnash@whur.com

“WHUR LENDS HELPING HANDS TO ASSIST HOWARD STUDENTS”

Radio Station Launches Fundraiser to Help University Students Perform Good Deeds

WASHINGTON (February 2, 2011) WHUR 96.3 FM - Howard University will host a 12-hour radiothon Sunday, March 6^th from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to help send hundreds of Howard University students to Haiti and cities across the United States to provide critical services to those in need. The “Helping Hands” radiothon will encourage listeners to phone in, drop by the radio station or to go on-line to make a contribution so students can travel to Haiti, Chicago, Detroit, New Orleans, Atlanta, and here in the Washington area.

The effort is part of Howard University’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program in which hundreds of Howard students forgo vacations of fun in the sun in Florida or the Caribbean and instead roll up their sleeves to help families struggling with such issues as teen violence and illiteracy. Additionally, the students will also volunteer to help victims devastated by last year’s earthquake in Haiti.

It is estimated that it will cost some $150,000 to send the students to the various locations. The radiothon will help pay for things as lodging, food, and bus transportation for as many as 500 students. The work the students will perform will include tutoring and mentoring and providing legal assistance. “We are so proud of the students at Howard who continue to champion the cause of helping others and we want to make sure we can do all we can to assist them in their efforts,” said WHUR General Manager Jim Watkins.

Volunteers include undergraduate, graduate, and Howard University Law School students as well as University faculty and staff. The students will leave for the various destinations for Alternative Spring Break 2011 on Saturday, March 12^th and return on Saturday, March 19^th. Donations to the radiothon can be made now by logging on to www.whur.com or www.howard.edu/helpinghands.

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