Freshmen John McConnell and Thomas Vittetau spent Mondayafternoon in Indianapolis promising free cookies to people who callthe White House.
The calls were made on a toll-free line opened for World AIDSDay, a memorial for those affected by AIDS that advocates educationand relief funding for the disease.
Seven Ball State students went to Indianapolis for the event.They met with the Midwest coordinator for SGAC and four studentsfrom Carmel High School, which is McConnell and Vittetau's almamatter.
"There was a homeless guy who came and tried to call, but it wasbusy," McConnell said.
However, some of the calls did go through to the White House,where Vittetau said a live operator answered.
"Most people blew us off," Vittetau said. "We did have a fewstop and talk to us."
The two started Ball State's chapter of the Student Global AIDSCampaign. McConnell and Vittetau said the organization has beenofficially active at Ball State since October.
"It is dedicated to ending the global AIDS pandemic and forpolitical advocacy to push for funding for the Global AIDS Fund,"McConnell said.
They said the Global AIDS Fund is the most efficient way forAIDS relief because the money's use is monitored.
McConnell, Vittetau and five Ball State students met withstudents of Carmel High School to spread the word on World AIDSDay.
"We are really trying to raise awareness, not about what AIDSis, but about how much of a crisis it is around the world,"McConnell said.
He stressed the severity of the disease in developingcountries.
Vittetau said the group is starting to plan a fund-raisingconcert for next semester to be used to support families inAfrica.
The money will go to the IU Kenya Foundation. McConnell said a$400 donation can provide prescriptions for one person for one yearand $800 can provide for one family.
McConnell said the group meets at 8 p.m. every other Thursday inthe lounge of the DeHority residence hall complex.
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