Excitement and Nerves

Hey guys,
Sitting at the raffle table right now. Getting ready for a day of selling tickets and talking up the trip. We have some really great prizes from all over the Rochester community. When going out and asking for these prizes, it was nice to see an outpouring of generosity, especially considering the fact that nearly every place we asked is already giving to other organizations.

Much like the businesses in rochester, everyone involved in this project has plenty of other things going on in their life. The brothers of old, and the family and friends of those attending have been an immense help. Without them we would never have been able to do this. I cannot begin to express how grateful we are for their gifts.

I, too, have projects and events of my own. I am completing a double major in Economics and Psychology. My focus has been primarily on psychology for several years now. I currently do research in the med center on suicide prevention and documentation. My mentor and myself hope to implement a training that helps clinician assess suicide risk, and ultimately help the patients they serve. For me, helping others has not always been in my nature, but it is certainly something I strive for.

I have lofty ideals and I have been an active member of Sigma Chi since my initiation, with positions including assistent magister (assistant pledge master) and pro consul (vice president). I felt compelled to spread our lofty ideals when Father Cool brought up the idea of this trip.

I am amazed how far we have gotten in such a short time; I can't believe this plan is actually coming to fruition. I am excited for what is to come.

In Hoc

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How safe is the area we’re going to be?
L'Elmo is a small town of 4000 people. Americans are always most welcomed by the people here. Our safety will not be an issue in the town. The capital of Santo Domingo, enriched by the drug trade, is not safe.

2. What immunizations do we need?
We will need to be vaccinated for Tetanus and Typhoid Fever. Malaria is not present in the region.

3. Where exactly will we be staying during our visit?
We will be staying in local houses, with Dominican families.

4. Exactly where is this town located?
Near the larger community of Monte Plata. The town is called Don Juan, northwest of Santo Domingo

5. What will we be eating?
The local diet: their main meal is rice, beans, and chicken, supplemented with fruits and vegetables.

6. How are we going to get safe water?
Drinking water will be bought and the cost of it will be figured in the expenses of the trip.

7. How will we go about constructing the building?
Local builders have been hired to guide us in our construction of the building. All our materials will be bought locally and shipped out.

8. Is this the first trip of its kind in the community?
No, Father Gaesser has been bringing groups down for the last several years, adults and teenagers and last May, 17 people from Cornell University came.

9. What if there is an accident and we get hurt?
The private medical system here is very good and comparable to the United States. We will not be far from a private hospital.

Progress!

So far, we have raised $3,000 of the necessary $14,000.  We are continuing to get prizes for the raffle, and it looks like it's going to be a huge success.  We are planning a bowling evening in a few weeks, and hope to raise more money in the future.  If you would like to donate online, you can use the Newman Community Paypal, which is again, tax-deductible.  

Getting there!

Well we are off and running. Trying to raise some $14,000 in under three months and working with college students who have a demanding schedule is very challenging indeed.

Last night seven gathered to stuff, seal and mail 1,000 appeal letters! Wow! We hope we have some right addresses!

Right now people have been very generous. We have raised about $2,000 in just over a week. A long way to go but we are off on the right foot. Gifts range from $50 to $500!

Each student was asked to contribute the names and addresses of 10 people they know who might contribute. I sat down and did the same. It is humbling to ask for money from others. Yet, the more I thought of it, the more I was literally excited to include them in a worthwhile cause. Think about it...how often do we have the direct opportunity to transform someone's life by a donation which many can make without changing the way we ourselves live?

I am grateful and excited for this trip and I can see it already changing our students!