Short Description: Using sims provided by LL, the group held fundraisers to collect $L, which was later transfered to USD and donated to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina Relief

Location: Big Easy/Biloxi sims

Team Leader SL Name: There wasn't a team leader, so to speak. We all had our projects that we worked on. Katt Kongo mainly did the float contest, Linden Lottery and SLebrity auction. Margaret Mfume built the riverboat, scheduled live music shows and arranged vendors. Frans Charming oversaw the construction projects.

Project Description: Our goal was to raise money for those who suffered as a result of Hurricane Katrina. We wanted to recreate areas of the affected area to call attention to what was lost in the storm. In the end, we had raised over $L705,807 ($3000)

Where Did You Get Your Idea? Many people in Second Life held fundraisers, and when LL saw the outpouring of support for hurricane victims, they chipped in by providing two sims on which to hold fundraisers. To use the sims, we had to join the group "SL Katrina Relief." All of the members of the group gathered for a meeting, and we outlined our various projects.

How Did You Assemble Your Team? It started out with people who were interested in fundraising, but when some dropped out, members of the group started asking their friends and acquintances (and sometimes even total strangers) if they could help. We would ask someone on their friends' list if they could script or build, and they would often reply, "No, but so-and-so does." Many of our teammembers joined the effort in that manner.

What Was the Greatest Challenge You Faced? The greatest challenge we faced was a certain feeling of apathy. Some people were ready to move on to other stories in the news, while others were simply short on resources of time and money.

What Was Your Greatest Triumph? Our greatest triumph, aside from the money we raised, would probably be in the feeling we gave people. I had never been to New Orleans, yet visiting the Big Easy sim made me feel like I had been. I know many people felt the same way.

What Are Your Plans for the Future? I will probably continue to engage in fundraisers outside of this group, and I'm sure the others will do the same.

Do You Have Any Helpful Advice for Someone Trying a Similar Project? Believe in what you are doing. Others may not share the same version, but no one can say whether or not you will be successful.