A student run campaign has raised more than $2,000 to aid students who may be experiencing economic troubles.
Cardinal WINGS has been raising money for the Student Emergency Aid Fund, which assists students who are unable to pay for school-related expenses due to severe circumstances.
The organization started raising money at the end of January and reached the $2,000 mark before the end of February, with all of the proceeds going toward the emergency fund. Cardinal WINGS President Chris Wilkey said he was proud when he noticed the success of his relatively unknown campaign.
"It was incredible just to see that students were willing to give that much to other students," junior sales major Wilkey said. "We realize that it was a little less than we thought it would be, because we were hoping it would be about $5,000 or $6,000, but it was our first time so we were really excited to see that number."
The slow start was attributed to a lack of knowledge among the student body about the program, but campaign members are optimistic about the potential growth.
"We started talking to a lot of different students in the Atrium and Student Center and started doing a lot of organizational presentations," Wilkey said. "People started hearing about what it is and why in the heck we were doing it, and people started stopping by and saying, 'We want to help out; that sounds like a fantastic cause.'"
The group set up booths in the Atrium and the L.A. Pittenger Student Center during select days from Jan. 25 until Feb. 3, selling Cardinal WINGS T-shirts for $10. Wearing the shirts also gave participating students discounts to several local businesses, including cardinal cupcakes & coneys, Cleo's and Pita Pit.
Ball State currently has five other emergency aid funds. Because Cardinal WINGS was unable to donate their earnings to another account, they created a sixth fund to collect money for their cause. Director of Student Rights and Community Standards Michael Gillilan said his office was grateful for the help.
"I'm very pleased that a group of students have seen fit to take the time and the energy to put together this fund and to go out and seek donations from other students," Gillilan said. "It's just great that students are willing to pony up and open up their wallets and their hearts to help students in need."
Those interested in donating to Cardinal WINGS can give online via www.bsu.edu/give.
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