Thanks to all the fund-raising efforts of STOMP on World Malaria Day, we've jumped up to 44 percent of our $10,000 Nothing But Nets fundraising goal. That means collectively we've sent 443 bed nets to Africa -- amazing!
And Aaron, one of the STOMP student leaders has said that a middle school teacher is going to donate the $400 her class raised to the MSU Nothing But Nets team. How exciting is that?
Let's keep the momentum going. If we all tell one person we know about this and get them to donate one net, that would make an incredible difference. If you're successful, leave a comment. Thanks again to all.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
World Malaria Day Report
This is a couple of days late, but I wanted to pass along a note from Aaron Schaer, one of the STOMP student leaders, about the campus events on April 25:
YESTERDAY'S EVENT WAS AWESOME!!! For those of you who couldn't be there, here is a brief description:
Ned and Danielle set up a volleyball net on the sidewalk in front of The Rock, where they hung a sweet banner and a bunch of "Buzzkill" shirts and wristbands (which I still think are cool despite what everyone else says).
We also had a table, some chairs, and some good music (courtesy of Ned). We would have painted The Rock, but another student group (who did not register to have it unlike other groups *cough cough*) painted it and literally were laying down and guarding it in sleeping bags. They were there for the National Day of Silence which signifies the discrimination that gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people face in society (between that, National Malaria Awareness Day, and Earth Day, April 25th is a pretty popular time).
Their cause was definitely a good one, but seeing as none of them were speaking due to it being a "day of silence," I'm not sure how many people they actually reached. Perhaps talking would have been a better strategy...I don't know, that's just my opinion.
Anyways, back to our awesome group. All in all we raised almost $400.
I truly feel that if we had more shirt sizes than just 3XL and youth small, we probably would have sold more. In addition to that, a woman came by who works over at the local middle school and she told us how they also did a Nothing But Nets fund-raiser where they raised over $400, but she wasn't sure what to do with the money now. So, after talking with her for 30 seconds, she has decided to trust us with the money, which she is sending over to Gabe's office in the very near future.
In short, good times were had by all and we've raised enough money to purchase around 80 nets!!! That's at least 80 more people who will be much safer because we spent 5 hours sitting outside and hanging out.
If that doesn't motivate you, check your pulse.
Thank you so much to everyone that helped. A special shout-out to Derek for bringing his bunk bed so that we could display a bed net; Ned for getting the volleyball net, music, basketball hoops, donuts and bagels, and a bunch of other stuff that I'm probably forgetting; Ashley for being there for about 4 hours; Danielle for waking up at the butt-crack of dawn to help set up; and Emily, Emma, and Rachel for being there and just being great. If I'm forgetting anyone, I'm really sorry...but a special shout-out to you as well.
I'm not really sure what STOMP is going to do over the summer, but if the past 3 weeks are a sign of things to come, then we're definitely going to be busy. I'll write everyone again just to stay in-touch and keep you guys informed of anything fun, interesting, or just because I'm bored.
Thank you all again. This couldn't have happened without everyone's efforts. We truly have done a lot for a group that isn't even formally registered yet.
Good luck with finals, and if I don't see you--have a great summer.
Sincerely,
Aaron
P.S. For the graduating Seniors: "Adventure is not in the guidebook, and beauty is not on the map. Seek and you shall find." (Someone who I once went camping with told me that. She is one of the nicest, coolest people I've ever met and at age 32 still has not grown up.
She is also the happiest person I know). Be courageous, be influential, and most importantly, be you! Good luck...and I'm keeping you on the e-mail list.
YESTERDAY'S EVENT WAS AWESOME!!! For those of you who couldn't be there, here is a brief description:
Ned and Danielle set up a volleyball net on the sidewalk in front of The Rock, where they hung a sweet banner and a bunch of "Buzzkill" shirts and wristbands (which I still think are cool despite what everyone else says).
We also had a table, some chairs, and some good music (courtesy of Ned). We would have painted The Rock, but another student group (who did not register to have it unlike other groups *cough cough*) painted it and literally were laying down and guarding it in sleeping bags. They were there for the National Day of Silence which signifies the discrimination that gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people face in society (between that, National Malaria Awareness Day, and Earth Day, April 25th is a pretty popular time).
Their cause was definitely a good one, but seeing as none of them were speaking due to it being a "day of silence," I'm not sure how many people they actually reached. Perhaps talking would have been a better strategy...I don't know, that's just my opinion.
Anyways, back to our awesome group. All in all we raised almost $400.
I truly feel that if we had more shirt sizes than just 3XL and youth small, we probably would have sold more. In addition to that, a woman came by who works over at the local middle school and she told us how they also did a Nothing But Nets fund-raiser where they raised over $400, but she wasn't sure what to do with the money now. So, after talking with her for 30 seconds, she has decided to trust us with the money, which she is sending over to Gabe's office in the very near future.
In short, good times were had by all and we've raised enough money to purchase around 80 nets!!! That's at least 80 more people who will be much safer because we spent 5 hours sitting outside and hanging out.
If that doesn't motivate you, check your pulse.
Thank you so much to everyone that helped. A special shout-out to Derek for bringing his bunk bed so that we could display a bed net; Ned for getting the volleyball net, music, basketball hoops, donuts and bagels, and a bunch of other stuff that I'm probably forgetting; Ashley for being there for about 4 hours; Danielle for waking up at the butt-crack of dawn to help set up; and Emily, Emma, and Rachel for being there and just being great. If I'm forgetting anyone, I'm really sorry...but a special shout-out to you as well.
I'm not really sure what STOMP is going to do over the summer, but if the past 3 weeks are a sign of things to come, then we're definitely going to be busy. I'll write everyone again just to stay in-touch and keep you guys informed of anything fun, interesting, or just because I'm bored.
Thank you all again. This couldn't have happened without everyone's efforts. We truly have done a lot for a group that isn't even formally registered yet.
Good luck with finals, and if I don't see you--have a great summer.
Sincerely,
Aaron
P.S. For the graduating Seniors: "Adventure is not in the guidebook, and beauty is not on the map. Seek and you shall find." (Someone who I once went camping with told me that. She is one of the nicest, coolest people I've ever met and at age 32 still has not grown up.
She is also the happiest person I know). Be courageous, be influential, and most importantly, be you! Good luck...and I'm keeping you on the e-mail list.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Here's How MSU is Celebrating World Malaria Day
The MSU Student Group -- Students Taking On Malaria Prevention (STOMP) -- has a table and info out by the Rock (in front of the Auditorium) today from 11 to 4 p.m.
You can actually see what a bed net looks like. And you can also buy a Buzz Kill t-shirt or an armband. Every cent from the shirts and armbands buys a bed net for a family in Africa. And the MSU Nothing But Nets Team gets the credit. What's not to like?!
In the photo on the right, Ned Walker (in the baseball cap) is hanging up Buzz Kill t-shirts with one of the STOMP members (sorry, I don't have your name).Celebrate World Malaria Day!
Make sure you stop by the Rock today from 11 to 4 and check out all the information available. Shoot some hoops, buy a Buzz Kill t-shirt and see an actual bed net. All proceeds go to the MSU Nothing But Nets team.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Malaria Day Events Moved to the Rock
All the World Malaria Day events will now take place in front of the Rock (on Farm Lane, in front of the Auditorium). STOMP will be painting the rock, shooting hoops, selling t-shirts and generally having fun. Stop by!
World Malaria Day Events at MSU
Friday, April 25 is World Malaria Day. A new student group at MSU, Students Take On Malaria Prevention (STOMP), has done a great job of organizing events very quickly.
On April 25, the group will have a table set up from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. between North Kedzie and the Natural Science Building (look for the giant banner). The display will feature information on malaria, Ned Walker's research, the MSU Nothing But Nets campaign, as well as bunk beds with a bed net on them. There will also be a basketball hoop set up. Students (and anyone else who wants to) can donate $1 to shoot hoops and win a Nothing But Nets Buzz Kill arm band. The group also will be selling Buzz Kill t-shirts. All proceeds go to the MSU Nothing But Nets campaign.
So stop on buy, shoot some hoops and buy a t-shirt. It should be a lot of fun.
On April 25, the group will have a table set up from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. between North Kedzie and the Natural Science Building (look for the giant banner). The display will feature information on malaria, Ned Walker's research, the MSU Nothing But Nets campaign, as well as bunk beds with a bed net on them. There will also be a basketball hoop set up. Students (and anyone else who wants to) can donate $1 to shoot hoops and win a Nothing But Nets Buzz Kill arm band. The group also will be selling Buzz Kill t-shirts. All proceeds go to the MSU Nothing But Nets campaign.
So stop on buy, shoot some hoops and buy a t-shirt. It should be a lot of fun.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Student Group Meeting Date/Time Confirmed
The next student group meeting is Friday, April 18 at 12:30 p.m. in 334 North Kedzie. Again, send Gabe Ording (ordingga@msu.edu) a note if you have questions.
Another Student Group Meeting
There's going to be another student group meeting on either April 17 or 18 (Thursday or Friday) at 12:30 p.m. in 334 North Kedzie. As soon as I get confirmation on a day, I'll let you know. If you'd like more info, contact Gabe Ording at ordingga@msu.edu.
The plan is to discuss a name for the group, start planning a fundraising event and figure out what to do with all the Buzz Kill t-shirts and armbands Nothing But Nets has sent.
The plan is to discuss a name for the group, start planning a fundraising event and figure out what to do with all the Buzz Kill t-shirts and armbands Nothing But Nets has sent.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Look for Buzz Kill T-shirts Soon
Gabe Ording, who's helping coordinate the MSU Nothing But Nets student group, sent me the following note:
I have some good news from D.C. I was contacted this morning by Adrianna from Nothing But Nets. We had a really nice talk and she is incredibly supportive of our MSU efforts. She is sending me an initial care package, the contents of which will include (but may not be limited to) info pamphlets, a few bed nets, wrist bands of some sort, and an initial pile of (about 50) BuzzKill t-shirts. She indicated that we will be able to get all of the t-shirts we can possibly sell and more.
She also indicated that we are welcome to "borrow" their BuzzKill theme but would request an opportunity to see our products for her approval before we get them made, and that we use socially acceptable globally conscientious t-shirt manufacturers. She also has asked us to take part in an upcoming conference call with other supporting institutions to share ideas for fund raising. And last but not least, she has asked if we are interested in sending student representation to D.C. this summer for a workshop, to get trained as a NBN representative. Phew, that was a good phone call!
Look for the incredibly stylish Buzz Kill t-shirts to show up on campus soon. If you want to be one of the first to get one, leave a comment here and someone will get back to you.
We're up to 64 percent of our goal!
I have some good news from D.C. I was contacted this morning by Adrianna from Nothing But Nets. We had a really nice talk and she is incredibly supportive of our MSU efforts. She is sending me an initial care package, the contents of which will include (but may not be limited to) info pamphlets, a few bed nets, wrist bands of some sort, and an initial pile of (about 50) BuzzKill t-shirts. She indicated that we will be able to get all of the t-shirts we can possibly sell and more.
She also indicated that we are welcome to "borrow" their BuzzKill theme but would request an opportunity to see our products for her approval before we get them made, and that we use socially acceptable globally conscientious t-shirt manufacturers. She also has asked us to take part in an upcoming conference call with other supporting institutions to share ideas for fund raising. And last but not least, she has asked if we are interested in sending student representation to D.C. this summer for a workshop, to get trained as a NBN representative. Phew, that was a good phone call!
Look for the incredibly stylish Buzz Kill t-shirts to show up on campus soon. If you want to be one of the first to get one, leave a comment here and someone will get back to you.
We're up to 64 percent of our goal!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Student Group Forming to Fight Malaria
As an outgrowth of the MSU Nothing But Nets team, Gabe Ording, in the Entomology Department, is organizing a meeting today, April 8, 2008, at noon for students interested in starting a group to fight malaria.
The meeting is in 244A of the Natural Science Building and Gabe says he's providing pizza and pop.
To keep the momentum going on this campaign, we need some visibility on campus and I know Gabe has several ideas in mind for World Malaria Day on April 25. He's also working with the athletic department to get some basketballs signed by Tom Izzo and Suzy Merchant that we can raffle off. Now that will be exciting!
If you're an MSU student and want to help fight malaria, please attend the meeting. If you can't attend, but still want to participate, leave a comment on this blog or send Gabe or Ned Walker a note.
As an update, our team is up to 34 percent of its goal and we have 62 sponsors. Thanks to all!
The meeting is in 244A of the Natural Science Building and Gabe says he's providing pizza and pop.
To keep the momentum going on this campaign, we need some visibility on campus and I know Gabe has several ideas in mind for World Malaria Day on April 25. He's also working with the athletic department to get some basketballs signed by Tom Izzo and Suzy Merchant that we can raffle off. Now that will be exciting!
If you're an MSU student and want to help fight malaria, please attend the meeting. If you can't attend, but still want to participate, leave a comment on this blog or send Gabe or Ned Walker a note.
As an update, our team is up to 34 percent of its goal and we have 62 sponsors. Thanks to all!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
A New Game Lets You Send a Net for Free
In honor of World Malaria Day on April 25, the Nothing But Nets organization has developed a video game that you can play on your computer. Once you're done, it sends a bed net to Africa for FREE up until April 25!
Here's the note from Nothing But Nets:
Here's the note from Nothing But Nets:
We’ve got another way for you to get in the game and help prevent malaria! All you have to do to help save a life is play, Deliver The Net, a cool new game created by the UN Foundation.
The challenge: race the sun and hand out as many insecticide-treated bed nets as you can to African families. The more nets you deliver before the mosquitoes come out the more lives you save. Once you’re done playing the game, sign up, confirm your email, and a life-saving bed net will be sent on your behalf!
It’s never been easier to send a net and save a life!
Check out the game and challenge your friends to beat your net score up until April 25, World Malaria Day. Play this game and everybody wins.
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