Forest Arms Fire Relief Fund

The entire university community is saddened by the devastating fire that took place early Wednesday morning at the Forest Arms apartment building, located just off-campus. 30 WSU students were displaced from their residences and many of them have lost all of their
possessions. The university has been assisting these students with housing and meal accommodations, counseling services, academic notifications, and the distribution of personal care products and school supplies.

We have now established the Wayne State University Forest Arms Fire Relief Fund to collect financial contributions to assist these students as they rebuild their lives. If you would like to contribute, checks and money orders (no cash please) will be accepted until Friday, February 15, made payable to the Wayne State University Forest Arms Fire Relief Fund.

Donations can be dropped off or mailed to:
Wayne State University Forest Arms Fire Relief Fund
c/o Dean of Students Office
Room 351 Student Center
5221 Gullen Mall
Detroit, MI 48202

The Dean of Students Office will be the clearinghouse for these donations. If you have any questions, please call (313) 577-1010. Any excess funds will be distributed to the American Red Cross and C.O.T.S.-Detroit-The Coalition On Temporary Shelter, both are organizations that assist individuals displaced by fire or without shelter.

We will not be collecting clothing and personal care product donations, but encourage you to support the Salvation Army and other local clothing collection organizations.

As the first step in Wayne State University’s Forest Arms Disaster Relief Effort, the Wayne State College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts and the Hilberry Theatre are presenting a performance from which all proceeds will be given directly to the students affected by this horrible tragedy.

The Hilberry Theatre presents this special benefit performance of Biloxi Blues on Saturday, February 9 at 2 p.m. In addition to this special performance, monetary donations for the students will be accepted at the Hilberry Theatre box office through Saturday, February 9, 2008.

Neil Simon’s Biloxi Blues, a semi-autobiographical piece, focuses on 20-year-old Eugene Morris Jerome. After leaving home for the first time, he finds himself on a train headed to Biloxi, Mississippi, a boot camp during World War II. As he prepares for the war ahead, Eugene tries to understand his reactions to what is happening around him while he confronts his own dreams. It is during this period in his life that he learns how to deal with a multitude of personalities and find love.

Student tickets will be available at the door for a $10 donation. General admission tickets are available for a $30 donation. The Hilberry Theatre box office is open Tuesday - Saturday from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.