Hauppauge HS Students Caroline Seo and John CarboneJohn Carbone and Caroline Seo are two Hauppauge High School students who were quick to react to the tragic earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. The two students wanted to do something that would get both students and community members involved with the Japan relief effort. They came up with the idea for a benefit concert, which they organized with the help of Hauppauge High School Assistant Principal, Joy Ferrara.
$4,200 was raised through ticket sales, plant sales and raffle sales. Tickets were priced at an affordable $4 per ticket, which was reduced to $2 if you brought a new pair of socks to the event. Three Hauppauge elementary schools collected 1500 pairs of socks before the concert began “ When we heard about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, we knew we had to do something to help. Everyone appreciates a fresh, clean pair of socks. The people of Japan will know that we are thinking of them from far away.” Said Caroline Seo a senior at Hauppauge High School and co- organizer.
A total of 2,500 pairs of socks were collected. Each pair sealed in a plastic bag, which included a note from the donor. Pines Elementary student Lindsey Cowden said, “I wrote a note of concern and translated it into Japanese. I gathered a dozen zip lock bags, and placed a pair of socks and a note in each bag. I feel better knowing that I’ve done something to help.”
John Carbone, a junior at Hauppauge High School and co-organizer was pleased that the event helped to bring awareness to the devastation occurring in Japan.
The funds were donated to the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund. The memories the students gained from participating in this event will stay with them forever.