The Fountain

A newsletter for the Whitman community

Nov 8, 2010

Combined, members of the Whitman community contributed more than $1,300 and a number of clothing items to help the Meza family of Milton-Freewater. Their house was destroyed in a fire that took the life of one of the children. The mother, Mari, had become well-known to the staff in athletics, from her work with the Red Cross. The athletics staff relies on the Red Cross for various training programs, and Mari helps coordinate the effort.

Victoria Johnson, athletics administrative assistant, coordinated the campus fundraiser. She said the initial thought was to send flowers, “But we thought about what her family’s needs might be and knew we could do more. So we asked faculty and staff to help. Seeing everyone’s willingness to help Mari was great, and I was glad to be part of it.”