It's been nearly two months since the tragic earthquake destroyed the country of Haiti. Numerous reports indicate that Haiti is still in dire need of relief. WVU has two former athletes with ties to the country, and their efforts to raise money brought the entire WVU athletic community together Sunday afternoon.

When the earthquake struck Haiti, it also hit home in Morgantown for former WVU football player Guesly Dervil. "The playgrounds, the areas I used to play, the house we grew up in, the neighbors and stuff like that," Dervil remembered. "If I go to Haiti right now, I probably wouldn't be able to recognize it."

So he, and another Haitian descendent and former track athlete, Gabrielle St. Leger, rounded up WVU athletes of all sorts for an "Afternoon with the Athletes". "It's a combination of a lot of work from a lot of different groups being brought to life," St. Leger said. "We have wonderful student athletes who came together to really bring the community awareness for what's going on in Haiti."

A number of Mountaineer athletes from all the sports came out to meet the students and fans, and to sign autographs. Besides getting the chance to meet the athletes and coaches face to face, organizers said one of the best parts of the event is the silent auction. Prizes included gift baskets, signed jerseys, and even dinners with former Mountaineer stars like Pat White and Jerry West.

Even head football coach Bill Stewart said he commends the athletes for stepping up in a time of need. "This shows the human side of these young people," he said. "We're all business most of the time, but there is a human side to us as well. And these are fine young student athletes. They get along so well together, and this relief fund and what they're doing with this dinner is absolutely awesome."

"Once you're a Mounty, always a Mounty," Dervil said. "It's a brotherhood, you know, it's a family thing. So for them to take my ideas into consideration, helping me, supporting me one hundred percent. That means a lot."

Dervil also said he thanks Mountaineer Nation for answering the call of duty. 

Every bit of money raised Sunday will go to WVU's Dollars for Disaster relief fund. You can still help support Haiti relief by visiting their web site at http://dollarsfordisaster.wvu.edu.