Barbeque supports injured student

By Anna Koeppel

Published April 11, 2008

The MU community came together Thursday to help a student in critical condition in Panama City, Fla.

A fundraiser drew more than 100 people to Cornell Hall where people could eat barbecue and record video messages for senior Mike Maniaci, who was hit by a car during spring break in Panama City Beach, Fla. He is at Bay Medical hospital in Panama City.

Barbecue organizer Alyson Thompson said proceeds from the event would go to a benefit fund established to help defray Maniaci’s medical costs. Thompson said she is a member of honors business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi with Maniaci.

Thompson said Maniaci is critical condition, but is stable.

Senior Carly Pohlman said she attended the lunch to show her support for Maniaci.

“The turnout shows how great of a person Mike is,” she said.

Thompson said many people stopped by the barbecue to donate money, even if they didn’t stay for lunch.

Next week, as part of the Trulaske College of Business week, students can donate money to have a professor kiss a pig. Proceeds from this event will also go to Maniaci’s benefit fund.

Anyone wishing to donate to Maniaci’s benefit fund can contact Thomson at art34b@mizzou.edu for more information.