Thursday September 13, 2001

A reported $3,000 collected as of yesterday

A UA fraternity and sorority joined forces yesterday to raise money to aid the American Red Cross in its rescue efforts involved with Tuesday's terrorist attacks.

Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Alpha Phi sorority members stood on the University of Arizona Mall asking people passing by for a $1 donation - enough to receive a red, white and blue ribbon in memory of the victims - but some donations have been made in larger amounts.

"We received a $100 donation and a couple $50 donations," said John Clark, president of Pi Kappa Alpha.

Clark said the terrorist attacks left him and others wondering how they could help. In the early hours of yesterday morning, they decided to organize the fund drive. As of 2:45 p.m. yesterday, the greek organizations had raised $3,000.

One student said she thought donating money was helping a worthy cause.

"I really wanted to do something, and it's a good way to help," said Melina Taylor, a Mexican-American studies sophomore.

Ken Tierney, vice president of public affairs for the Interfraternity Council, said other aid events are being planned. He said the turnout for blood donations has been overwhelming, but the United States will likely face the same shortage in the next few months.

"We're planning a chapter-against-chapter blood drive to raise as much as we can," he said.

The collection will take place on the UA Mall in front of the Student Union Memorial Center today and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.