Union Launches Church Reconstruction Fundraiser

Posted on Thu. 22 Jan, 2009 to 4

January 22nd, 2009

The Student Union Government will be holding a two-week fundraiser in support of a church burnt down in a race-related incident on the evening of Election Night.

On election night, the Macedonia Church of God in Christ, a predominantly black church under construction in Springfield, Massachusetts, was brunt down in a race-related incident. During finals week of last winter semester, President Jehuda Reinharz received a message from a friend of the University calling on students to help to rebuild the church. President Reinharz passed along this letter the Union President Jason Gray, calling upon The Union to lead the effort.

Senator for North Quad Andy Hogan has stepped up to lead this project. On the morning of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Hogan spoke with the Bishop of the church, Bryant Robinson. Bishop Robinson confirmed to Senator Hogan “This was an act of arson and hate crime.” Robinson went on to tell Hogan that Brandeis students would be most helpful in assisting the rebuilding effort through a fundraiser. Any money donated will be used to pay for rebuilding costs not covered by insurance. Robinson went on to say, “I appreciate to know that you guys are standing with us on this dastardly deed.”

The Brandeis Student Union will be tabling in Usdan every weekday until Friday January 30th. The Union is also tentatively planning a benefit dinner for the evening of Saturday, January 31st. The Union will also be inviting clubs to attend and several campus groups to perform. The Union plans to fund the event, and charge attendees. All proceeds will be donated to the reconstruction effort.

The first attempt at tabling was held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. $250 was raised during this day.

For more information, contact James Ansorge, the Union's Director of Communications, at UnionCommunications@brandeis.edu.

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