Johnson & Wales University Students Simulate Survival Conditions to Raise Awareness and Funds for Haitian Relief Efforts

On the heels of the devastating aftershock that rocked Haiti yet again, students and faculty from Johnson & Wales University's North Miami campus will be partaking in an overnight sleep-a-thon, going without food and shelter to provide a startling glimpse into the experience of the Haitian earthquake survivors. Participants will reach out for pledge support to benefit JWU’s partnership with Meds & Food for Kids, a non-profit providing ready-to-use and therapeutic food to the people of Haiti.

JWU students have already begun collecting monetary donations for Meds & Food for Kids, and also hosted a candlelight vigil on Jan. 20 to commemorate the thousands that lost their lives and homes in the tragedy.

Dr. Larry Rice, Johnson & Wales University’s vice president and dean of academic affairs, will lead students in an effort to replicate the grim reality of Haitian earthquake survivors by sleeping outdoors and fasting overnight.

Thursday, Jan. 28, 2009
8:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.* 
Johnson & Wales University
12800 NE 17th Ave.
North Miami, Fla
*Setup for the event will begin at 3:00 p.m.

Media Opportunities

• Film live from the JWU North Miami campus with several hundred students and faculty members sprawled across the ground behind the reporter.
• Show the students’ live commentary with their thoughts and wishes for Haiti, which will be broadcast to the whole group over university-provided jumbotrons.
• Interview Dr. Larry Rice, vice president and dean of academic affairs, about the university’s efforts to raise awareness and collect donations on behalf of Haiti’s earthquake victims.
• Speak with the students and faculty about how the devastating earthquake has affected their lives, what they are doing to help, and the importance of student activism and political/community involvement.

Media Contact
John Prieur, rbb Public Relations
305.448.2930