Left to right - Max Zoghbi, Bowman Hitchens, Shannon Richardson, Sparky Reardon, Rob Treppendahl, Bill Kingery, Larry Ridgeway
The Board of Alderman adopted a proclamation recognizing Rob Treppendahl, Bowman Hitchens and Max Zoghbi for raising over $20,000 for Interfaith Compassion Ministries, in front a full court room.
The three men raised this money by making a sponsored kayaking trip down the Mississippi River, from Lake Itsca, Minn., all the way to the river’s end in New Orleans. They called the initiative “A Wake In the Current.”
The 2,300 mile long trip took up 61 days. Each day Treppendahl, Hitchens and Zoghbi would sleep outside. The trip was made to raise awareness of what homeless people go through.
Treppendahl is a former student of the University of Mississippi and Hitchens is a current Ole Miss senior. Zoghbi is a graduate of Louisiana State University.
Through their adventure, the three raised over $20,000 for Interfaith Compassion Ministries and over $19,000 for the Gardere School in Baton Rouge, which helps give under privileged children a quality education.
Larry Ridgeway appeared on behalf of Ole Miss Chancellor Dan Jones to read a proclamation stating that this week will forever be known as “A Wake in the Current” week to honor their efforts.
Governor Haley Barbour also sent a proclamation recognizing the men for their accomplishment, which was read by Dean of Students Sparky Reardon.
The three accepted the proclamations before presenting the check to Interfaith Compassion Ministries at the meeting.
“Oxford has been my second home.” Zoghbi said.”I want to thank everyone. To be a part of this community has been amazing.
“Yeah we’re up here, but to be clear, this isn’t about us. We’ve had a lot of prayers behind us, and we thank you.”
All of the gear used on the kayaking trip was donated by Ole Miss Outdoors, which plans on showing off the kayak for the rest of the students to see.
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