Auction to Fund Service Projects Through Alternative Break Program

January 13, 2009

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (Jan. 13, 2009) - SUNY Plattsburgh is pleased to announce its 15th Annual Service Auction on Tuesday, March 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Alumni Conference Room of Angell College Center. Items auctioned will include gift certificates, merchandise from local vendors, homemade goods and services (like lawn clean up) provided by students.

All proceeds will go toward the college's Alternative Break Program. This program gives SUNY Plattsburgh students a chance to learn valuable lessons while helping others over their college break. This year, more than 100 student volunteers are scheduled to take ten trips to places like Thibodeaux, La., where they will engage in projects like building homes with Habitat for Humanities.

"Programs like these have proven to be both challenging and rewarding in nature," said Cori Matthews, director of campus activities. "In our experience, most students who participate in a program of this nature go on to further incorporate volunteerism and community service into their every day lives."

In addition to volunteering time and energy for their entire Spring Break, students also commit to funding the trips' expenses. They pay for transportation, food and building supplies. As a result, donations to the program are critical.

For more information about the service auction or the trips themselves, contact the Center for Student Involvement at 518-564-4830 or visit the Web site www.plattsburgh.edu/offices/centers/service/altbreaks.php.

Steve Brodi of Bridge Street Auction in Plattsburgh will serve as the caller for the auction.