The University of Guam hosted a two-hour Facebook live stream telethon on April 8, 2020. The event’s purpose was to raise funds for the necessary equipment frontline responders need in battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their original goal was increased from $20,000 to a total of $43,000. More than 375 donors contributed to doubling their initial goal.

Members of the community such as Robert Underwood, Ed.D., former president of the University of Guam, contributed to the cause and challenged their colleagues and friends to do the same.

“I just want to extend my congratulations,” Underwood said. “Nerissa and I donated $250. I know you’ve already exceeded your goal and when you exceed that goal, you just extend that goal higher.”

Norman Analista, director of development and alumni affairs and Associate Dean of the UOG College of Liberal Arts and Social Science, Sharleen Santos-Bamba hosted the event.

“I am just floored by the generosity of members in our community,” Bamba said. “And the challenges just keep coming in even after we doubled our goal.”

The telethon also addressed general safety precautions residents can take to protect themselves from the virus.

“In times of uncertainty like this, it’s really important for all of us to have answers, a sense of security, and a sense of relief,” Krise said. “And knowledge is power, so the content of our videos aimed to provide valuable insight for all of the issues people are having to deal with and how we can make the best of this whole experience.”

Experts from the UOG community gave tips and activities about health care, preparation of healthy meals, gardening, fitness and lifestyle, budgeting advice, stress and anxiety relief.

The telethon featured various performances from UOG’s students and alumni, Joe Guam, Coco and The Way Cool Hearos.

All proceeds went toward medical supplies and protective equipment for our front liners such as face masks, face shields, hand sanitizers, and all the necessary items to help prevent the spread of the pandemic.

The fundraiser continued receiving donations weeks after the event.

The livestream can still be viewed on the University of Guam’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/UniversityofGuam/. Members of the community can still contribute to the cause through the UOG Endowment Foundation’s website.

IT&E, KUAM Careforce, and LSG Sky Chefs with program sponsorship from Docomo Pacific, The Guam Daily Post, and Blue Pacific Realty sponsored the event.