Benefit for Pak flood victims come to UoM

ISLAMABAD: Moved by the desperate plight of an estimated 21 million people coping with the aftermath of recent devastating floods in Pakistan, a diverse coalition of concerned Montana groups will present a public, multimedia benefit on Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the University of Montana's University Center Ballroom.

Dubbed "Helping the Pakistan Flood Victims: Beyond Politics to Compassion," the event will feature a short film of never-before-seen teachings by the Dalai Lama from his recent visit to Sun Valley, Idaho; live music by Joan Zen; and a silent auction. The keynote address, "Disaster, Coping, and 21st Century Needs," will be delivered by Jon Turk, Montana author of "The Raven's Gift."

All proceeds from the evening will be donated to PODA, a Pakistan-based advocacy organization for the welfare of women and children that is implementing round-the-clock flood relief countrywide.

UM sponsors of the evening's event include the Geography Department, Office of the President, Montana Geography Alliance, Foreign Student and Scholar Services, and Gamma Theta Upsilon. Nonuniversity sponsors include the Ewam Buddhist Sangha, Rotaract Club of Montana, Teachers Without Borders, and MCAT.