Recess in session at Assembly Hall

IU students will have a chance to play at recess one more time this weekend at Assembly Hall. \nStudents from David Rubinstein's LAMP X333 class will be hosting four square games at Assembly Hall from 1 to 5 Saturday afternoon. For $5, students can relive their grade school glory days by playing four square -- and be entered in a raffle to win one of two iPod Shuffles -- with the proceeds going to benefit BloomingKids. \n"I'm looking forward to the event," junior X333 student Anthony Bowers said, "it should be tons of fun." Bowers is excited to be a part of something he said he believes is truly worthwhile -- helping BloomingKids continue to develop and expand. \nBloomingKids is one member of a state-wide organization called College Mentors for Kids whose purpose is to take underprivileged youths and show them what they can achieve by taking their education seriously. BloomingKids was one of twelve original chapters created in 1996 and has grown to include 80 IU student volunteers and many others who contribute to the program.\nThe first through fourth graders in BloomingKids have been labeled "at risk" by their elementary schools, meaning they probably wouldn't otherwise be exposed to higher education in their own homes. BloomingKids works with 60 children from Fairview and Unionville Elementary, specifically targeting children whose parents did not receive higher education. Activities focus on themes of culture and diversity, higher education and community service.\nExternal President Caitlin Owens is excited about the event. \n"The efforts of IU students mean so much to our program," Owens said. "We are lucky to have such wonderful volunteers."\nDavid Rubinstein is the professor of the X333 class that is staging the event. After admitting that he wasn't quite sure what four square was, he couldn't mask his excitement.\n"These kids are really special," Rubinstein said. "They're do-ers." \nStudents have been hanging banners from apartment buildings, going door to door and leaving chalk messages on campus sidewalks in attempts to sell tickets. Students have also made efforts to appeal to students patronizing establishments on Kirkwood Avenue. Rubinstein was impressed with the efforts his students have put forth thus far. Owens echoes his sentiments.\n"The LAMP program has done so much for us," Owens said "and we are thankful for their hard work." Owens went on to say that the 26 students in the X333 class have made it all possible. \nRubinstein and his students have set a fund-raising goal of $5,000. All the money raised will be donated to BloomingKids. Owens said the money will be funneled right back into program costs but hopes it could help them expand within a year or two. \nOwens said one of the major funding issues BloomingKids continues to face is transportation. Bringing kids to and from IU facilities is expensive and Owens believes the funds from tomorrow's four square event could possibly alleviate some of the stress. \n"We are so appreciative of everything LAMP has done for us," Owen said. "We are touched by IU students' dedication to our program."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Pat Giese at pgiese@indiana.edu.