Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Miami Herald - February 2, 2006
Ani Martinez, armartinez@MiamiHerald.com
When Florida International University student Andrea Felix received her assignment for her honor's college class, the 20-year-old thought outside the box.
Felix decided a charity walk at FIU could help more than a term paper. After all, the physical therapy class is titled Aesthetics, Values and Authority and explains the global symbolism of walking.
"I taught them about political marches, pilgrimages and charitable walks in history like the March of Dimes," associate professor Leonardo Elbaums said. "By organizing this, they have learned more than they realized about the practical, psychological, sociological and cost of a walk."
Felix said she felt an immediate connection to World Vision, a Christian relief organization that chronicles the global needs of the poor.
"I knew I wanted to donate the money to World Vision and the ONE Campaign," Felix said. "The organization raises money, but also raises awareness."
The FIU AIDS Walk for Orphans begins at 10:30 a.m. Monday outside of the Graham Center entrance. The organizers hope their "6,000 steps" campaign will increase awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
"We are walking 6,000 steps because everyday 6,000 kids are orphaned because their parents die from AIDS," said Fitz Murphy, 22. "These kids are somewhat helpless, and as a society, we need to help people who can't help themselves."
A donation is encouraged because there will be no registration fee. The cost of water, snacks and T-shirts was covered by the Student Government Association, the Caribbean Students Association and the Honor's College.
"We will have computers set up with wireless Internet where we will teach you how to sign up directly and donate to World Vision," said Robert Sobrado, 21.
The classmates have raised $2,000 to cover preliminary costs and $2,000 to donate.
"I really am glad I did this rather than the paper," she said.
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