July 24, 2006

BCC International Students Sell White
Ribbons To Raise Money For Local Flood Victims

-International Students Want To Give Back To Community That Has Embraced Them-

(TOWN OF DICKINSON, NY) Broome Community College President Dr. Laurence Spraggs today highlighted the College’s international students for raising money for victims of the recent flood.

Seventeen international students from BCC’s 2005/06 Cooperative Association of States for Scholarships (CASS) Program are selling white ribbons to raise money. The ribbons went on sale on Monday, July 24. Students have donated all materials and are making the ribbons themselves.

The 17 international students come from as far away as the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico and Honduras.

“In 2004 there was a terrible flood in my hometown of Santo Domingo that killed more than 1000 people,” said student organizer Mariam Bueno, who is from the Dominican Republic. “There was so much sadness and hurt then, and when I saw the recent flooding in Broome County it reminded me of the devastation in my hometown. It was so sad. The international students wanted to find a way we could help members of this community who have warmly and openly embraced and welcomed us.”    

The white ribbons signify hope and will be on sale through Monday, August 7, 2006. Minimum donation is $2 although larger donations are appreciated.  All monies raised will go to the local Red Cross specifically for the Flood Relief Efforts.  If you would like to make a donation by check, please make the check out to the Red Cross and note Flood Relief on the check.  Donations are tax deductible according to the Red Cross. 

“When these international students saw our community in need they took action,” said BCC President Dr. Laurence Spraggs. “I applaud each of these students for their ability to create and execute a plan to provide relief and comfort for the thousands of Southern Tier residents who are recovering from the flood. Community service is a central component of the CASS program and these students are leading by example.”

Ribbons will also be sold at a number of local churches.