The November 12th fund-raiser, initiated by Mr. Shaw, was developed to help alleviate remaining funeral costs for seven of the eight dear children that lost their lives in a Carbondale house fire on Sunday, August 14, 1994. Four of those eight lives lost so tragically, were my cousins. It’s hard to put such a devastating experience behind us when we are constantly reminded by lingering funeral costs.

Contrary to rumor, the Illinois Department of Public Aid did not pay for the burial of the children, and although the City of Carbondale let the Community believe that the grave sites were donated, we still received a balance due statement for them.

I have been an active Greek member of SIUC for almost seven years, including serving as Graduate Advisor to the Pan-Hellenic Council. I have always known the commitment of Greeks to community service. I am especially grateful for this act of service to the community and the community’s service to our family. Thank you to everyone that has supported us, even still, in this time of need.

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Zenetta E. McDaniel, Zeta Phi Beta, Grad student Workforce Education and Development