Hello friends!

In an effort to contribute to the ongoing relief efforts for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina, several of my classmates and I from the Graduate Schools of Case Western Reserve University will travel to New Orleans during our spring break (March 7-14) to aid in the rebuilding of the city! I know that the economic times are proving tough for everyone, but our group feels compelled to give back some of what we have to help the tens of thousands still struggling from the effects of a storm that occurred almost four and a half years ago. One local relief organization recently declared the greater gulf region "halfway-home," showing both the enormity of the recovery effort and the vast amounts still to be done. People like you are the reason there is hope.

This trip will be the fifth such volunteer journey to New Orleans by a group of CWRU Graduate School students. Over the past four trips, with the help of many generous donors at CWRU and the surrounding community, eighty-seven students have volunteered more than 2500 hours in a variety of home rehabilitation and community development projects. This year our group will volunteer with an organization called Relief Spark. Relief Spark is a non-profit that provides volunteer logistics to a network of non-profit organizations in New Orleans, LA and surrounding areas. Our anticipated projects include assisting in rebuilding schools still damaged after the hurricanes, providing tutoring in those schools, serving food in local soup kitchens and volunteering in local animal shelters still overcrowded from the storms. More information on the organization can be found at reliefspark.com

Students going on the trip are entirely responsible for all of the expenses involved with this journey. Including airfare, hotel, and food, the estimated cost per person is approximately $1000 for the week. To help subsidize a portion of these costs, we are asking for your help! Any donation you would be willing to make would help our group immensely as we undertake this demanding yet rewarding adventure. All donations are fully tax deductible and receipt will be provided upon requests (our group's Tax ID number is 34-1018992).

There are several ways that you can donate:

1. Donate on this website by clicking on the "Donate Now" tab at the top left corner of the page and using a credit card, online check, or paypal account to donate any amount you specify.

2. Donate directly to a trip participant.

3. Donate by check, made out to "Case SBA" with "NOLA Trip" in the memo line, and mail to:
Case Law School SBA
Attn: NOLA Trip
11075 East Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44106

Thank you in advance for your help! Please feel free to verify our arrangements with the Case School of Law via Patty Kim, Director of Student Activities at 216-368-6615 or patricia.kim@case.edu.

Sincerely,

Carrie Primas
Trip Organizer
Case Western Reserve University JD Candidate
cjp39@case.edu
702-858-3972