Southeast Asian countries lost more than 150,000 lives to the December 26, 2004 Tsunami, but the devastation ignited a storm of community spirit in Middleburg. Tragedy brought out the best in this area with fundraisers to support relief efforts originating in schools, churches, businesses and community organizations before New Year celebrations were underway. Here are a few of the generous initiatives that were organized:

Maxwell's Pub

Casey Huetson of Maxwell's Pub proudly reported that the entire staff at Maxwell's voted to donate 25 percent of their tips and sales from business on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to a charitable organization for Tsunami relief.

"Everyone had a different idea of where the money should be sent," said Huetson, "but most said the Red Cross, so that's probably where we will donate the money."

According to Huetson, the pub raised approximately $2500 in just over 24 hours, through the generosity of the staff and customers, who not only gave healthy tips, but also contributed directly into the collection bucket.

Foxcroft

Foxcroft School students were also touched by the Tsunami tragedy, although in a much more direct way than most. Their schoolmate, Noon Kampanatsanyakorn was at home in Thailand when the Tsunami struck. Luckily, Kampanatsanyakorn, a sophomore at Foxcroft, survived the catastrophe and is now safely back in Middleburg.

"The community as a whole has a core value of giving back," said Foxcroft Director of Communications Sue Philbrick, "but I think because of Noon, it was something that really hit home – knowing someone who was in it makes it so much more real."

The students set a goal of $5,000 to raise for Tsunami relief and are already 60 percent of the way there with their first endeavor – a barbecue in the parking lot of the Middleburg Bank on January 15.

The girls raised another $200 with a dance class they organized in January, and, according to Philbrick, they are determined to reach their goal.

"We'll plan another fundraiser in the near future to raise more money," she said emphatically.

Hill School

According to Emily Tyler of The Hill School, students there have already raised approximately $5000 for Tsunami relief.

Tyler said that the school organized a "Walk and Roll" benefit in which 70 walkers raised $4,000. Hill students also participated in a bake sale and dress-down day, which earned a combined $1,000, which the school will donate to a charitable organization, said Tyler.

Blue Ridge Middle School

Members of the Leo Club at Blue Ridge Middle School were bowled over by the level of participation of their fellow students during their "Loose Change Drive." The club, in its first year at the Purcellville school, named their fundraiser "Make a Difference with Change." Organized after students returned from Winter Break, they, the staff members, and their families were asked to send in loose change to benefit Tsunami relief.

"I think about all the people who lost their family," said Leo Club President and 7th grade student, Alyssa Locke. "What if it were me? If I were in their situation, I would really want people to help."

"I think we should be helping people all over the world, even if we don't know them," said Chris Mace, Treasurer of the Leo Club and a fellow 7th grader.

Leo Club members set a school-wide goal of raising $450 by the end of January. Amazingly, the balance raised, as of January 27, was nearly $12,500. The school's principal, Joseph Mauck kicked off the drive with a generous donation of $300.25.

Also included in the funds raised by the Leo Club was $434 earned by a small group of girls who, despite the freezing temperature and snowy conditions, held a bake sale in front of the Purcellville Giant on a Saturday in January.

"It's important to give," said Telisha Trammell, Leo Club Secretary and 7th grade student, "…you can help them rebuild their world the way it was, or even better."

The Leo club is sponsored by the Leesburg Lions Club. Its mission is to strive to help others in the worldwide community.

Members have decided to split their donation equally among the American Red Cross and UNICEF.

"They chose funds that allowed them to specify that the money be used for Tsunami relief," said Connie Graham, Leo Club Advisor and Blue Ridge Middle School teacher.