Central Michigan University

Thursday, October 29, 2009

CMU students reach out to Pistons fans to help fight malaria in Africa

CMU students from the Chip Away Malaria organization pose with Detroit Pistons player Will Bynum at The Palace of Auburn Hills after receiving a donation to purchase bed nets to help prevent malaria in Africa.

Courtesy photo

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Media Contact(s):

Tracy Burton
989-774-1072
tracy.burton@cmich.edu

Central Michigan University students from the Chip Away Malaria organization have a message for Detroit Pistons fans: Buy a ticket, enjoy the game and save a life.

The CMU students, who have raised more than $30,000 to help fight malaria in Africa over the past several years, recently partnered with the Pistons to sell tickets for the 2009-10 season. For every ticket sold, $10 will be donated to purchase an insecticide-treated bed net, a first line of defense against mosquitoes that carry malaria.

Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases and a leading cause of sickness and death in the developing world. According to the World Health Organization, there are 300 to 500 million cases of malaria each year resulting in more than 1.5 million deaths.

The students hope their efforts will raise more of an understanding about the disease to help the region of Sub-Saharan Africa, which has one of the highest infection rates.

"The challenging part about malaria is raising awareness because it is a disease that many in Michigan are not familiar with," said Scott George, a graduate student from Canton and a member of Chip Away Malaria. "It is a very devastating disease, and for only $10 you can help save a life."

George said their goal is to sell 1,000 tickets, which would equate to 4,000 lives that could be saved with the help of basketball fans throughout Michigan.

Dennis Sampier, a CMU alumnus and director of community relations for the Pistons-Palace Foundation, said partnering with CMU was a way to offer fans a fun night of Pistons basketball at a discounted price that ultimately will save lives.

"As a CMU graduate, I would encourage students to not only support this initiative with a donation and in spreading the word through their respective networks, but also to consider volunteering with Chip Away Malaria," Sampier said. "This is a wonderful student-based organization that understands the importance of social responsibility."

The group is selling discounted tickets that include upper bowl tickets for $20, which regularly sell for $40, and lower bowl tickets for $40 that otherwise sell for $65.

To purchase tickets, go to http://www.chipawaymalaria.org

To learn more about the Chip Away Malaria philanthropy at CMU, visit http://www.chipawaymalaria.org/mission.html