Univ. of Iowa Students Strip Down For Charity

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By Jillian Petrus

Story Created: Mar 6, 2010 at 8:40 PM CST

Story Updated: Mar 6, 2010 at 8:40 PM CST

IOWA CITY - Partially clothed students from the University of Iowa worked to raise awareness about homelessness on Saturday in Iowa City.

It was the second year that the UI’s Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (S.T.A.T) group has hosted The Nearly Naked Mile.

The group asked students to bring clothes to donate to the Salvation Army.

“The Salvation Army is definitely a good cause, so I’m out here again baring it all, ready to go,” said UI student Jason Donahue.

Last year, students donated about 2,000 pounds of clothing. This year, with more than 300 students registered for the race, organizers expected they would double the donation.

On Saturday, UI student Emily Gerhke donated 100 pieces of clothing.

“They’ve just been in my closet and I actually was going to donate them awhile ago,” Gerhke said, “then I found out about this run.”

Salvation Army worker Don Rabenole said he worked the race last year, and is always impressed by UI students’ enthusiasm to give back.

“The young people up here are very willing to give out of the generosity of their heart,” Rabenole said.

The popularity of last year’s race also drew in more sponsors this year. Many local businesses donated gift cards for the winners. S.T.A.T also gave out prizes for best costumes, most clothing donated and best runners in a group.

Click here to see photos from the event

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