Gray skies, a chilly breeze and a constant drizzle did not stop
more than 2,000 volunteers from making a difference on Saturday,
Oct. 25. Due to the weather, Saint Louis University’s sixth annual
Make a Difference Day opening ceremonies were moved to the Busch
Student Center multi-purpose room.

Volunteers were greeted by the harmonies of the Bare Naked
Statues, Beyond All Reason and Melody of Praise Gospel Ensemble.
The presentation of SLU’s annual “In Touch with the Community”
award was presented to Ken Fleischmann, senior associate general
counsel for his contributions to the community.

After a few words of inspiration and encouragement, former
Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith sent the volunteers off into the
community with the challenge “to go out today and do something good
and make a difference.”

SLU volunteers, along with community members and students from
neighboring high schools, spent the day helping out at over 70
local organizations. The weather did not affect many of the
projects planned for the day.

The SLU Bridge Project, where more than 200 volunteers were to
paint the bridge along Grand Boulevard, was cancelled. According to
David Clark, director of the Center for Leadership and Community
Service, the project will be rescheduled for a future date this
semester.

The event was co-sponsored by CLCS, KMOX and Alpha Phi Omega,
SLU’s co-ed service fraternity.

“As a graduate of SLU, I think I bought into the Jesuit mission
of social justice, and I believe that the students are living it
today,” said Director of Development at Employment Connection John
Murphay.

The Black Student Alliance participated in sorting clothes and
indoor painting at Employment Connection.

Many students volunteering at Food Outreach, a local food pantry
that services members of the St. Louis area living with AIDS, saw
immediate gratification. Volunteers commented on how they have
never worked with those infected with AIDS, and after talking to
regular volunteers at Food Outreach, they realized that many of the
clients cannot or are unable to work because of their disease.

“Being able to provide these people with food is really making a
difference. While cleanup is good, working at places where you have
a direct impact with the people and can see that effect (of the
work) is worthwhile,” said Laura Westerkamp, a member of APO.

“I think it is good that all the different kinds of people from
SLU are coming together to do something good. It makes you realize
that everybody is not as fortunate as you,” said junior Keita
Hopton.