U of M Students have fun raising funds for Habitat at 60K Day

By Julia Brauchle, 
Twin Cities Habitat staff 

Amid coffee, pizza, a Velcro wall, live music, and giveaways from local businesses, hundreds of members of the University of Minnesota community came together on April 13^th to celebrate 60K Day, a day dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.  

60K Day Coordinator Kristen Resman and Campus Chapter President Blake Olson worked tirelessly during the months leading up the 13th to engage campus organizations in their efforts. Groups that got involved through donations and volunteerism include: the Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Habitat Young Professionals Network, University YMCA, the Ad Club, UMN Muslim Students Assn, the College of Science and Engineering, the college of Education and Human Development, University alumni and more. Though the groups came from all corners of the university, everyone was united with a common goal: to sponsor a Habitat home.

The day kicked off with a special visit from University of Minnesota President and Habitat supporter Eric Kaler. Things really picked up around lunchtime when Goodnight Gorillas, a band made up of U of M students, took the stage. Students and faculty lined up to enjoy the tunes and make donations in return for free Chipotle and pizza. The spirit of giving was immense, as passersby slowed down to check out the commotion and were inspired by their peers to donate what they could. Through the event, the U of M campus chapter rallied over 400 individual donors to raise $13,895. 

Where will the money go? The money will help future Habitat homeowners Thae and Chao purchase their home in St. Paul, where they and their five young children will grow up, play, and study. The family will close on their home at the end of April.

Thank you to Kristen, Blake, campus chapter members and everyone who got involved with 60K Day! First time hearing about the event? You can still donate!