2005-2006 Annual Report

9 The University provided nearly 15,000 hours of labor at no cost to those who were victims of the storm. Michelle Zerminski was part of a work team that went to Biloxi, Mississippi, during Christmas Break. Three months had passed since the storm, but Michelle was shocked by the damage. “It was worse than I could’ve ever imagined. All that remained of many homes were the steps and the foundation. Wreckage and people’s belongings lay half-buried in the sand along the shore. Clothes still hung from trees. Flipped cars were scattered along the streets, The University established a hurricane relief plan with the goal to raise $100,000 and send 250 volunteers throughout the 2005-06 academic year. Fundraising began with an offering in a student-led chapel. Students gave (many in sacrificial ways) nearly $74,000 in that one hour. They also quickly volunteered to serve on relief teams. By the end of the year, the goal was dramatically exceeded, with 638 students serving on work teams and $140,000 raised. and toys were strewn around. It almost didn’t seem real — it was like a movie or something.” Michelle spent a week helping hurricane victims clear debris from their homes and yards. She ripped up tile, hauled ruined belongings, cut up fallen trees, and helped repair a roof. It was physically and emotionally draining, but very fulfilling. “It was definitely a neat experience being able to minister to the victims. They were so grateful for our efforts.” Michelle was blessed by the hope expressed by many in the face of such loss. “It caused me to evaluate how much I value my earthly belongings and truly where my treasures are. I thought, ‘Would I still praise God if everything I owned were stripped away?’ My hope is that my faith would be so strong that if all were taken from me, I would continue to praise the name of the Lord.” relief efforts Meet Michelle Zerminski Hometown: Springfield, Illinois Major: Biology Grad Year: 2009 www.cedarville.edu/disasterrelief Katrina Days after the Hurricane Katrina disaster, the administrative council and student government leaders met to plan a strategy for how Cedarville University would be involved in relief efforts.