Have you ever felt so touched by a cause that you suddenly hold the urge to do something about it?  Kristie Nixon, the vice president of finance for the Residence Hall Association, experienced exactly that.

After reading a book about life for women in India, she decided that she wanted to help these women. She began to research different causes and, in doing so, came across Schools for India.

“I read a book that went into great detail about how terrible the living conditions were, and I knew there had to be something that I could do,” Nixon said.

“Grizzpose,” a talent and fashion show was held on March 21. The show was equipped with raffles throughout the evening and a handful of sponsors including Buckle, Flirty Fashions and Men’s Warehouse.

According to Nixon, this was the biggest event the RHA has done.

Brianna Shamsuddoha, a student on the programming committee, said members of RHA, especially the performers and models, worked hard for weeks to make the show a success.

In order to gain sponsorships, the committee had to call businesses and ask for clothing donations. The fashion part of the show featured students wearing these clothes, with each collection being synced to song.

Shamsddoha’s favorite act was the Men’s Warehouse part of the show when the guys came out wearing tuxedos and showed off their each individual style and sense of humor.

“They had everyone laughing and smiling,” she said.

Nixon’s initial goal was to showcase the talents of Oakland University, and she said Grizzpose did that, plus it raised money that will go toward building a school in Bihar, India.

The founder of Schools for India, Venkatesh Chandrasekaran, said support from the U.S. is critical for the future of Indian schools.

“In India there is an 80 percent dropout rate for girls … Schools for India has spread throughout the country and throughout the world. We rely on the support of the United States,” she said.

For more information, email the RHA Executive Board at [email protected]

 

Contact Photo Editor Chelsea Bistue via email at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @ChelseaBistue