FHU President David Shannon Look-Alike Face Masks Benefits Local Nonprofit

Freed-Hardeman University students in Matt Barker's communication class raised $1,500 for Henderson's Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse by selling face masks that resembled the lower mustached-half of FHU President David Shannon's face. Funding for the project came from a $1,000 LEADS grant from Leaders Credit Union.

Barker divided his 22 students into four groups. One group originated the mask idea. It was their responsibility to design the mask and get them manufactured. Oliver's Screen Printing and Embroidery in Henderson produced the masks. A second group produced the winning video to secure the grant. According to Leaders, their video had the most likes and shares of any entry. This group also recorded videos promoting the fundraiser. The public relations/marketing group promoted the grant application through social media and in chapel announcements. The final group organized the sale of the masks, including choosing a location and scheduling workers. They also served as a liaison between the class and the Perkins Center.

In total, the students sold 125 masks.

"This fundraiser would not have been possible without the hard work of all the students in my class," Barker said. "I cannot say enough about how proud I am of what they were able to accomplish through this project. I think this project provided students with a glimpse of the impact they have not only at Freed-Hardeman University but in the local community as well."