Friday, November 11, 2011

Thank You For Restoring My Faith

It's been a horrifying week where I live.  The state of Texas and the US Department of Education as of this morning have opened their own investigations into the heartbreaking scandal.  Rioters who caused property damage are being identified and arrested.  The Penn State Board of Trustees meeting is being covered live by CNN as I write this and media are taking their lumps in the court of public opinion right now, too.  There's plenty of blame being shifted around and it's only going to get worse.  There are those who are trying to light the darkness, though, and I want to publicly thank them.

One Night of Giving

This event is described on its Facebook page as "A community dedicated to helping the victims of child abuse." They hope to raise enough money to donate to local charities and to also establish a scholarship fund. Local musicians and bars are donating a portion of their proceeds from tonight's performances and the organization will also be collecting donations from patrons.


ProudPSUforRAINN

This grassroots organization of Penn State alums has a goal of raising $500,000 for the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). In just over 24 hours they've raised $80,000.


Mike Palito

Palito is a local artist who painted a mural titled "Inspiration" on the Heister Street side of the Penn State bookstore in downtown State College.  On Wednesday morning he made a change: painting over Jerry Sandusky, the man at the center of the scandal.  The chair Sandusky was sitting in is now empty except for a blue ribbon to symbolize the victims of child abuse.


The Students

Not the ones Governor Corbett called "knuckleheads" yesterday.  The other ones, the ones who've been quietly gathering in support of child sexual abuse victims.  A candlelight vigil is planned for tonight at Old Main.  A Blue Out has been organized for tomorrow's game against Nebraska (home games are referred to as White Outs, with fans wearing white gear).  The blue, like the ribbon in Palito's mural, symbolizes support for the victims.


It's a little light for so much darkness but here's my thanks and a wish that it flames up. 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thanks for commenting!