Make a Difference Day comes to Flint
By Page W. H. Brousseau IV
TIMES STAFF WRITER
For the second year in a row, Make A Difference Day was celebrated in Flint on Oct. 27. Make A Difference Day is conducted nationally as a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors.
First Lady Laura Bush urged Americans to, "Take a minute, an hour, or the entire day. and mentor a child, work a food bank, or simply offer a word of kindness. You'll find you can make all the difference in the world."
Stephanie Shrumsky, of Student Life, was instrumental in bringing Make A Difference Day to the university Pavilion under the banner of Celebrating and Embracing our Youth.
Creating an opportunity for people in the downtown area to get together and have a good time was high on her list of reasons for coordinating such an event.
Over ten civic organizations participated in the event, including the Boys & Girls Club, Genesee County Americorps, Flint/Genesee County Neighborhood Roundtable, and the American Red Cross.
According to Shrumsky, attendance was down from last year, however, those who came had a great time. Pumpkins and watermelons were given away, and the bands DBG and PJ Dakota provided live entertainment.
Children's activities and games were provided along with Professor Sevick, from the Art Department, leading attendees on a tour of the mural along the Flint River. Even though the next Make A Difference Day is a year away, planning is already
area to get together and have underway.
© The Michigan Times 2001
