Collegiate Times

Volunteers of Hokies United took advantage of Saturday?s football game and collected donations and passed out blue ribbons to honor law enforcement agencies, collecting $20,349 in cash by the end of the game as part of the ?Honoring Those Who Protect and Serve? campaign.

?Over $20,000 was raised in cash during the game alone. We were literally counting buckets of money in a secure room in Lane Stadium, cheering on the Hokies and watching the game on circuit television. By the end of the game, we had a tally,? said Liz Hart, public relations director of the Student Government Association and senior communication major.

The weeklong campaign was to honor Montgomery County Regional Hospital security guard Derrick McFarland and Montgomery County Sheriff?s Department deputy, Corporal Eric Sutphin, who both died while on duty during the escape of William Charles Morva from Montgomery County Regional Hospital.

?Raising money for the memorial fund is the least we could have done to repay the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice that day," said Ron Forbes, Hokies United volunteer and SGA director of membership.

With this money, Hokies United created two memorial funds of over $10,000 each for McFarland and Sutphin at the First National Bank. Members of law enforcement seemed grateful for the support shown by the students and community.

?There were police officers who were looking for our volunteers so they could give money, too. They flipped open their wallets and there would be an officer badge in there, and they would honestly thank us for being out there,? said Catie Morin, Hokies United volunteer and chief justice of the SGA, and senior biological systems engineer.

In addition to monetary donations, thousands of people wore their blue ribbons in remembrance of the officers. Representatives from various student organizations spent two days straight pinning 15,000 blue ribbons for the game. All were distributed.

?It's mind-blowing to think about how many eyes were glued to the television two Mondays ago, concerned for the safety of the campus. To look out over the stadium and see everyone wearing the blue ribbons made me think about how many lives the law enforcement really does impact,? Forbes said.

The game day plan for ?Honoring Those Who Protect and Serve? was put together by a round table of representatives from various organizations, including the SGA, the Student Alumni Associates, Interfraternity Council, Residence Hall Federation and the Residential Leadership Community.

?Hokies United gave us a chance to not only show the law enforcement and Eric Sutphin?s and Derrick McFarland?s families our support, but it gave us the opportunity to remind people that we are a part of a community,? said Sarah Saxton, SGA vice president and Hokies United coordinator. ?While $25,000 can?t replace two fallen officers, it can demonstrate to those families that we are here for them, too.?

Banners reading, ?Hokies United: Honoring Those Who Protect and Serve,? were featured at several events throughout the week, including the Class of 2008 Kick-Off Concert and the SGA booth at the Organizational Fair last Friday. After being signed by hundreds of students, the banners were photographed, and color pictures of them were mounted on the five plaques that were presented at half time during Saturday's game to representatives of five police departments that played roles in keeping Tech safe.

?It was very encouraging to see the Virginia Tech community's response at the football game and in general this past week. It goes to show that when Hokies come together, anything is possible. I am proud of everyone who supported this cause,? said Sumeet Bagai, Hokies United coordinator and senior business major.

Though the main campaign is finished, Hokies United will continue to collect donations. More information can be found at Hokies United.

?The heart and soul of Virginia Tech resides in its students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Hokies United and its efforts on behalf of the families of two of our servants inspire all of us to re-affirm our commitment to our motto, Ut Prosim,? said Nicki Cantrell, director of student activities.

Hokies United is a student-driven volunteer effort organized after the events of 9/11 to respond to local, national and international tragedies. The organization has also helped in relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina (raising $34,000 in one game) and the tsunami last year. Hokies United was originally spearheaded by the SGA but has since expanded to include all campus organizations willing to participate.

?This is the first time in my time at Virginia Tech that a tragedy has hit so close to home and impacted all Hokies in such a direct manner. After seeing the response over the past couple of weeks, I am confident that we will be stronger as a community when all of this is over. We have already proven that we can make a difference if we work together,? Bagai said.