University of Richmond Students Raise $6,000 for Employees Who Lost Cars in Tropical Storm Gaston

September 20, 2004

A committee of student organizations has launched a relief fund to aid two University of Richmond dining hall employees whose cars were destroyed in Tropical Storm Gaston. In little over a week, the students have raised more than $6,000. Committee members solicited contributions from student organizations and went door-to-door in residence halls. They also raised funds from seniors attending a social.

"The committee has been astounded by students' support of this idea," said Richmond senior Melanie Mayhew, committee co-chair. "It's reassuring to know we have a campus community willing to support each other."

After the storm, the two employees learned that their basic liability insurance would not cover the damages. Since the two had remained on campus during the storm to ensure students got dinner, several organizations decided to create a relief fund to replace the totaled cars.

Mayhew said students want to give back to university employees who work hard for students every day. The committee plans to present checks to the two employees in the coming weeks.