Saturday MSU event to promote leadership, Katrina relief

Contact: Maridith Geuder

STARKVILLE, Miss.--An outdoor concert featuring eight local bands, comments by the founder of a hurricane relief effort and an invitation to volunteer opportunities are all part of a Saturday [Aug.26] event.

Organized by the Mississippi State University Student Association, the 5 p.m.-midnight campus event at the Junction Amphitheater is jointly sponsored with Jackson-based Hands, a nonprofit organization created to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters.

Leisha Pickering, wife of 3rd District Congressman Chip Pickering and Hands founder, will speak at 5:30 p.m. Her brief remarks will focus on student volunteer and leadership opportunities with the organization.

Performing immediately following her presentation will be Cemetery Surfers, Big Blue Truck, Joe Whaley and the Benders, Mississippi Bluebloods, The Persians, Darkness Ends, and Enursha.

While admission is free, students and others in attendance are encouraged to donate toiletries and other personal hygiene items for hurricane victims. Charitable contributions also are welcome.

For more information, contact Joanna Frederick of the Student Association at 662-325-3917.