IU Unity Walk aids relief funds

Residence Hall Association Student Services helped sponsor the IU Unity Walk Sunday, with proceeds benefitting the American Red Cross 9-11 National Disaster Relief Fund. The 5K walk began at 10 a.m. at the Mellencamp Pavilion.\nAimed at making people "feel better after the attacks while giving to a worthy cause," the event allowed those who participated to show support for campus unity and diversity, event co-coordinator Sarah Dilworth, a graduate student, said.\nThe event had expected to attract more than 2,000 participants, but event co-coordinator Brian Walker was disappointed with the turnout.\n"We had about 50 people show up today," Walker, a junior, said. "We made around $1,250 through sponsorship."\nWalker felt that the event should have attracted more members of the IU community.\n"We planned the event for exactly two months after the attacks to signify the importance of the cause," Walker said. "The whole cause was to help the people of New York and I am disappointed that participation was so low."\nBut the event proved to be a learning experience for a group of students that had little more in common than a will to do something for a worthy cause, Christine Geary, event adviser and Recreational sports staff member, said.\n"To put an event together like in such a short time is very challenging," Geary said. "The students learned what it takes to be involved in a community and plan a philanthropy event."\nWalker said T-shirts from the event are still available for $6, with proceeds going to the American Red Cross 9-11 National Disaster Relief Fund.