Greek students announce annual education forum

April 26, 2007
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ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan’s Greek community is holding its annual educational forum on The forum will be in Rackham Auditorium on the U-M Central Campus and is open to the public. Admission is free; the program begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Greek Week is an annual 10-day fund-raising event for fraternity and sorority members at U-M and runs from March 16 to March 25. Camp Heartland’s Education and Prevention program includes children who have attended the camp who take their message of concern and hope on the road, according to Greek Week organizers. Camp Heartland children travel across the country to speak with other youth in efforts to promote awareness, advocate prevention, and share their experiences of living with AIDS. With more than 300 children every year, Camp Heartland has become the largest camping and care program for children affected by and infected with HIV. Founded by Neil Willenson in 1993, the camp provides a refuge from the stigma, judgment, and isolation often felt by those who have the disease or have loved ones with the disease. Children from ages 7 to 17 spend a week at the facility enjoying regular summer camp activities. They also discover a supportive network in which to cope with the struggles of living with HIV. The permanent camp, in Willow River, Minn., and a sister campsite in Malibu, Calif., find most of their financial support through charitable donations that allow children to attend the camp free-of-charge. During Greek Week, students will perform more than 2,120 hours of community service and are expected to raise more than $100,000 for charities. In addition to Camp Heartland, Greek Week’s charities for 1999 include the HIV/AIDS Resource Center; Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation; Ann Arbor Community Center; Habitat for Humanity; Students Establishing Education Dreams; Added Dimension, a scholastic and athletic program for youths; and Knitwits, an organization that provides winter supplies for needy families and the homeless.