UWS Hosts Silent Auction for Nepal

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The death toll from the tragic earthquake in Nepal is more than 7,000, a number that has hit close to home for some local students and universities.

To contribute to the more than $400 million dollars needed in emergency funding UWS hosted a international bazaar themed silent auction in Swenson Hall.

Items from more than 50 countries were featured.

All of the proceeds will go to help provide immediate food, water and shelter for Nepal earthquake relief.

“We’re kind of focusing on immediate, what do people need right now versus long term,” said Carol Knoble with UWS. “I’m sure those needs will be much greater and it will go on.”

UWS and UMD students who are from Nepal shared stories about their homeland before the earthquake happened.

They told FOX 21 some of their friends and family are devastated, without bare necessities and are even sleeping in open spaces.

They’re asking for everyone to help in any way they can.

“Everyone is grieving and that process of grieving and recovering from this disaster will continue for years,” UMD student and Nepal native Naresh Tako said. “The lives that we lost there’s no way we can get them back. Maybe the buildings they can be rebuilt but many lives were lost.”

UMD will also host a silent auction and dinner in the coming days.