In the month of February the Mizzou Volleyball program held its first annual Valentine's Day Charity Benefit Tournament on the Hearnes Center floor and the Tigers succeeded in their goal and presented a check of more than $1,000 to Mike Odneal, executive director of the Mid-Missouri Red Cross, as the program raised funds by selling t-shirts, collecting donations and hosting some of the area's top clubs in the all-day event.

"This volleyball team for the University has put together a wonderful effort," Odneal said. "All of these young players have shown the spirit that you need, not only for volleyball, but for giving and helping others around the world. This is one way that the folks of the University and the folks of mid-Missouri have continued to give from their hearts to give to the nation of Haiti."

According to Odneal, the funds that were raised will go directly to the nation of Haiti as it looks to rebuild from the tragic earthquake that occurred last month. Specifically, the funds will help in providing food and shelter, clean water and the rebuilding and rescue efforts that are still going on.

Members of the Mizzou Volleyball team were on hand to collect donations, sell t-shirts and help in scoring matches during the tournament. Not only did the all-day event earn proceeds for a worthy cause, but local youngsters got their chance to interact with some of the role models on the Tigers' actual competition floor.

In addition to raising money for the Mid-Missouri Red Cross, the team conducted over 10 hours of free youth clinics for local youth designed to promote healthy lifestyles and increase opportunities amongst the community.

Go Tigers!