Regent Law News

David Velloney , associate professor in the School of Law, has been quoted several times in the Washington Post's ongoing coverage of the trial of U.S. Army Private Bradley Manning, an imprisoned soldier accused of leaking classified material in the WikiLeaks scandal, including in this Saturday, Dec. 17, article. Velloney's comments were also picked up by a number of European publications and Australia's theage.com . Brad Jacob , associate professor in the School of Law, was a guest on The Tony Macrini Show (WNIS Norfolk) on Wednesday, Dec. 21, to discuss Constitutional issues. Haskell Murray , assistant professor, recently published two articles in leading law reviews. The first article, “Latchkey Corporations”: Fiduciary Duties in Wholly Owned, Financially Troubled Subsidiaries was published in the Delaware Journal of Corporate Law. The second article, Purpose with Profit: Governance, Enforcement, Capital-Raising and Capital-Locking in Low-Profit Limited Liability Compa

Professor Jacob was a guest on The Tony Macrini Show (WNIS Norfolk) on Thursday, Dec. 1, to discuss constitutional law issues. Judge Greg Wilhelm '98 (Law) was appointed as one of 14 new members representing the Texas Juvenile Justice Advisory Board according to this Thursday, Nov. 24, article from the Ellis County Press . These appointments were made by Texas governor Rick Perry.

Continuing a tradition of excellence in legal competition, three Regent University School of Law competition teams—two from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board (ADR) and one from the Moot Court Board—recently advanced to the national level in two competitions. Regent Law's ADR teams will be among 24 teams competing at the American Bar Association (ABA) National Negotiation Competition in New Orleans Feb. 3-4. Regent is the only law school sending two teams to this competition. Regent Law's Moot Court Team advanced to the New York City Bar's National Moot Court Competition (NMCC) to be held Jan. 30- Feb. 2 in New York City, competing in a field of 30 teams. The ADR made a strong showing at the American Bar Association's Regional Negotiation Competition held Nov. 12-13 at the University of Richmond School of Law in Richmond, Va. The team of Hannah Carter and Chris Bell placed finished second overall from a roster of over 24 teams representing George Mason University,

Picture floating in the Dead Sea, visiting the City of David, or walking through Hezekiah's tunnel, all while earning course credit and learning about Israel's government and legal system. Or, picture learning about international law and human rights issues firsthand from officials of European legal and human rights organizations. Regent University law and government students with an adventurous spirit and heart for travel will have the opportunity to apply for two unique study abroad opportunities taking place in summer 2012. For five weeks in Strasbourg, France, Regent Law students can take six units in the areas of civil liberties and national security law, international human rights, comparative criminal procedure, and origins of the western legal tradition. Courses will be taught by former Attorney General and current distinguished professor John Ashcroft and professors Michael Hernandez, James Duane and Eric DeGroff. Second-year law student Jillian Reding, the current gra

Regent Law 3L Patrick McKay was recently quoted in this DigitalJournal.com article exploring a flaw in YouTube’s Content-ID anti-piracy filter.

Religion, business, arts and entertainment, education, family, media, and government. These are the seven mountains of culture as defined by author and speaker Os Hillman. Speaking at Regent University's School of Law Chapel on Thursday, Nov. 17, Hillman challenged students to recognize their roles as "change agents" in these seven areas of influence. Discussing the age-old debate over vocation versus calling, Hillman asked the students, "How do we bring the entire area of our life into our calling?" The idea of calling raises the question of purpose—specifically God's purposes for His people. "What God's put us on the earth for is to manifest His presence on the earth," he explained. "Transformed people transform culture." "It was [once] thought that if we could just get more Christians in the culture, then we could change the culture," Hillman said. But, he added, sheer numbers of people claiming faith are not what brings

After an intense weekend of competition in Richmond, Va., Regent University School of Law’s moot court team will advance to the nationals of the National Moot Court Competition (NMCC) to be held January 30- February 2 in New York City. The NMCC consists of fifteen regional competitions among law schools nationwide followed by a final competition amongst the top thirty teams in the nation (the top two teams from each region). Regent’s team of Tristen Cramer, Amy Vitale, and Megan Donley advanced, along with a team from William & Mary, to the national rounds. Regent defeated teams from the University of Virginia, Duke University, the University of Kentucky, Campbell University, and Charlotte School of Law. Tristen Cramer won the award for the best oralist in the final round. Regent’s team also produced the region’s second best brief. The NMCC allows law students to hone their appellate advocacy skills by arguing before prominent members of the legal profession. According to team co

Regent University School of Law’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Board (ADR) made a strong showing at the ABA Regional Negotiation Competition held November 12-13, 2011 at the Richmond School of Law in Richmond, Va. The team of Hannah Carter and Chris Bell placed finished second overall from a roster of over 24 teams representing George Mason, William & Mary, Georgetown, American University, Washington & Lee and other law schools throughout Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C Both of Regent’s teams made the final round of four, with the team of Shiann Ashenbrenner and Braden Morgan finishing third overall. Carter and Bell are hopeful they will receive an official invitation from the ABA to compete in the national competition, February 3-4, 2012 in New Orleans, La. Team coach Prof. Eric DeGroff commented on his students’ exemplary performance. “They were a joy to behold,” he said. “What impressed me most about them was that t

How would you like to float in the Dead Sea, visit the City of David, or walk through Hezekiah’s tunnel all while earning course credit and learning about Israel’s government and legal system firsthand? Law and government students interested in joining Professors Robert “Skip” Ash and Joseph Kickasola for Regent University School of Law’s summer program in Israel, May 18 - June 6, 2012, are encouraged to register immediately while space remains . At a recent interest meeting held in Robertson Hall, program faculty and previous Israel program participants discussed their experiences attending the summer program in Israel. Scott Lambert, a current 3L, described the Israel program as being “more than a tourist trip.” Lambert highlighted the program as providing “good exposure to government issues” and said he had no problems walking around Jerusalem either during the day or evenings. “I felt totally safe,” he said. Olivia Summers, a current 2L, agreed. “It was an amazing trip.” Su

The Regent University Law Review recently welcomed keynote speaker Dr. Stanley Carlson-Thies along with a panel of right of conscience legal experts to its annual symposium held over the weekend of Nov. 4-5, 2011 on Regent's campus. Over the course of a Friday evening banquet and Saturday panel sessions this year's symposium, titled "Protecting Conscience: Harmonizing Religious Liberties and the Offering of Commercial Services," brought leading legal minds together to address some of the emerging issues in right of conscience litigation, specifically in the area of commercial business. From foster-care workers facing license revocation for refusing adoption to homosexual couples and medical professionals required to provide abortions and students "encouraged" to sign statements violating deeply held religious beliefs or face expulsion, Christians in all sectors of society are increasingly impacted by federal-anti discrimination laws. A brie

Operation Christmas Child , a program sponsored by the Samaritan’s Purse ministry, is once again underway at Regent University School of Law.  The program seeks to bless the lives of underprivileged children across the globe by providing them with a shoebox of small gifts and the Gospel. Much more than a toy donation, the shoeboxes are much needed support for children that live in poor conditions and represent to each child that people haven’t forgotten them and that God loves them.  At the law school’s November 3, 2011, chapel Jim Weaver, a local full-time volunteer for Samaritan’s Purse, reported that in 2010 Operation Christmas Child distributed shoeboxes to 8.2 million children in 109 countries. Since 1993, over 85 million shoe boxes have been donated and delivered worldwide.  According to Weaver, “The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is in every box.” The Moot Court Board will be collecting filled shoeboxes through November18th at numerous drop-off stations in Robertson Hall.

Colleen McNamee ('99) was named a Cambridge Who's Who Professional of the Year in Family Law according to this Thursday, Nov. 3, article in Home and Family .

As Wall Street and an increasing number of cities around the nation find themselves "occupied" by protesters, and markets experience a daily rollercoaster of ups and downs, it's clear that America's economic crisis is very much dictating today's headlines. With this in mind, Regent University's ninth annual Clash of the Titans®, "Countdown to Collapse: Solving America's Economic Crisis," could not be a more timely or vitally needed discussion. With the theatre at Regent's Communication & Performing Arts Center filled with more than 700 people, it was quickly apparent that this debate would be far from simply an academic exercise in rhetorical ideas. More than mere observers to America's current economic predicament, each speaker in his own way has helped shape the economic policies of Congress and of the last three presidential administrations. Representing the left were Lawrence H. Summers, who served as director of the White Ho

Professor James Duane was quoted in this Oct. 29th dailypress.com article which explores a defendant’s choice of self-representation in a criminal trial. Alumnus Rick Morris (’02) was featured in an article highlighting his campaign to win a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. Read the article here .

The Regent Law Student Bar Association (SBA) will be collecting “Blessing Bags” through Friday, November 4, to help homeless individuals at the Union Mission Shelter in Norfolk, VA. “This project is specifically helping the Union Mission because it's such a large shelter for homeless people in our area,” said Alex Wolfe, the SBA 3L Class President and Chair of the Community Service Committee. To contribute a “Blessing Bag,” Regent Law community members should fill gallon-size zip lock bags with toiletries and other smaller items such as: deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, razors, granola bars, snacks, socks, gloves, and other small items. SBA has only a few more days to collect as many blessing bags as possible. Individuals or groups may also donate $10 and the SBA will use the funds to purchase and fill a “Blessing Bag.” At this point the SBA has collected roughly 70 bags; however, the SBA encourages more donations to reach the Union Mission’s approx

Regent Law Student Ashleigh Chapman’s hard work in the 2011 National Pretrial Competition yielded her an award for “Best Advocate for the First Round.” Associate Professor David Velloney coached Ashleigh’s team, and remarked that he was proud of their performance and knew Ashleigh deserved the achievement. “I would gladly have her litigating cases for me,” Velloney said. “She’d be my first round draft pick – she’s that good!” Regent Law’s team was one of 12 that competed in Stetson University’s National Pretrial Competition over the weekend of October 15-16—a competitive, invitation-only event that tests the problems solving skills of aspiring law graduates. In previous years, Regent University School of Law’s trial advocacy teams have been awarded 2 Best Brief Awards, 3 Best Advocate Awards, and one National Championship. by Sarah Bruso

At a reception on Tuesday, Oct. 11, alumnus  Corrynn Peters ('03) was honored as an Inside Business " Top 40 Under 40."  Inside Business , Hampton Roads' business journal, chose forty professionals within the region's seven cities who not only demonstrate excellent business skill, but are active community members. Peters is a partner at Phillips & Peters, PLLC. After spending three years as a judicial law clerk, Peters began practicing domestic relations law. "The professors I encountered while at Regent instilled in me a desire to strive for excellence. They also reinforced my belief that the practice of law is a service, not just a career," she said. In 2010, she began her own law firm with colleague and fellow Regent Law alum Kimberly Phillips ('05). Peters also volunteers with youth at her church, First Baptist Church of Norfolk. She is involved with the Chesapeake Bar Association and the Norfolk-Portsmouth Bar Association. Other commun

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and Shared Hope International presented recent research on the state of domestic sex trafficking at a special mini-symposium held October 13, 2011, sponsored by Regent’s Center for Global Justice.' Law school Dean Jeffrey Brauch introduced the eye-opening symposium stating, “Many of us have tended to think it is a problem over there, but I think as we’ve come to know, it’s not just over there…It’s everywhere. It’s in the United States, it’s in Virginia, and it’s in the Tidewater region.” After viewing a brief documentary film called “Demand” comparing sex-tourism and trafficking in Japan, the Netherlands, the United States and Jamaica, Linda Smith, Founder and Director of Shared Hope International and Tessa Dysart, Associate Counsel for the ACLJ , shared how both organizations have been working together to shed light on and tackle the legal issue of domestic sex trafficking. Smith, a former U.S. Congresswoman, addressed the audi

Professor David Velloney was a guest on The Thom Hartmann Show on Tuesday, Oct. 11, to talk about whether or not the killing of U.S. citizens by drone is justified. This is the #8 talk show in the nation, according to Top Talk Radio Audiences.

Regent Law alumnus Jeremy Tedesco (’04) was featured in this FoxNews.com article for arguing that a client’s First Amendment rights were violated when she was fired from Eastern Michigan University for refusing to counsel gay and bisexual couples about their relationships. Alumna and member of the Navy JAG Corps Nell (Osgood) Evans (’02) was recently sworn in as a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court. Professor Brad Jacob was a guest on The Tony Macrini Show (WNIS Norfolk) on Thursday, Oct. 6, to discuss Constitutional issues.

Officially approved in the spring of 2011, Hispanic Law Students Association (HLSA) is one of Regent University’s newest organizations. Current and prospective members recently gathered to discuss the fundamental values of this unique group that aims to raise awareness of issues affecting Hispanics from both a societal and legal perspective. On October 4th, the organization kicked off its first meeting of the academic year by offering students an opportunity to listen to Latin music, eat mini tostadas, and engage in conversation with a practicing lawyer heavily involved in Hispanic issues. Featured guest speaker and Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) Region V Deputy President, Daniel Santos, discussed his transformation from law school to his present role at HNBA. Santos encouraged attendees to get involved. “The favorable impacts that networking, and engaging in meaningful mentee/mentor relationships, will have on the success of your career cannot be emphasized enough,” he

Regent Law Professor Lynne Marie Kohm was quoted in this  report from Christianity Today that asked if pastors should perform marriage ceremonies for cohabiting couples. Alumnus Nathan Godsey ('10) has joined Waldo & Waldo Attorneys, a Greeley, Colo., estate planning law firm established in 1938, according to  this report in The Tribune .

"A school dedicated to greatness." This is how Regent University's Founder and Chancellor, Dr. M.G. "Pat" Robertson described the School of Law, which celebrated its 25th anniversary during the Sept. 23-25 weekend.  Click here  to view photos from the weekend celebration. During a luncheon for alumni, students and faculty, former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft concurred. "[My wife] and I have enjoyed every moment we have spent on this campus and with students around the world," he said. Paraphrasing earlier remarks from Regent Law Dean Jeffrey Brauch, Ashcroft reminded the group that their mission is not personal success: "One client at a time," he admonished. "The laws don't define or provide a basis for greatness," he continued. "We have to aspire to do something more than just slide over the threshold." Ashcroft is a distinguished professor in both Regent's School of Law and the Robertson School

3L  Patrick McKay  was quoted in an article exploring a flaw in YouTube’s Content-ID anti-piracy filter. Read the full article here . Law student  Keila Molina  (3L) discussed her positive experience as a Latina student at Regent Law in this Virginia Pilot article. The article commends the school for its efforts to reach out to prospective and current students of Hispanic heritage and make them feel welcome and understood.

Less than a week after Regent opened its doors to a new school year Robertson Hall found itself eerily empty as Hurricane Irene blew through Virginia Beach. While most law students considered Monday, Aug. 29 th ’s school closing a good excuse to sleep in, hang out, or get ahead on some reading, many Regent students took the opportunity to participate in hurricane relief. 1L Timothy Chiasson , who moved to Virginia less than a month ago, was just one of many students that teamed up with CBN’s Operation Blessing (OB) to help the local Hampton Roads community. A Florida native, Chaisson is no stranger to the dangers of these powerful storms, and the necessity of recovery teams. “I’ve been through storms myself in Florida and I helped out with Katrina in New Orleans, so I know what it’s like to have tree damage and flooding damage and I figured that there were people that needed help.” Nicole Tutrani , another first year law student, started her day off by putting together and ha

Brad Jacob , associate professor in the School of Law, was a guest on The Tony Macrini Show (WNIS Norfolk) on Thursday, Sept. 1, to discuss Constitutional issues in the news.

Stories about summer internships often stress the importance of what a student does during the summer. This year, for several Regent University law students, where they interned was also significant. Tristan Cramer and Patrick McKay both interned with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Washington, D.C. Cramer returned to the National Right to Life Committee as a legal intern providing research expertise. This was her third summer with the group. "I enjoy learning the most effective methods of changing hearts and minds through education and saving lives through legislation," she explained. McKay worked for a technology and political advocacy group called the Center for Democracy and Technology. As an intern, he worked on a variety of research projects related to copyright law and telecommunications policy. He was also involved in drafting a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission over a company engaging in deceptive business practices. "Since I ultimately hope

Brad Jacob , associate professor in the School of Law, was a guest on The Tony Macrini Show (WNIS Norfolk) on Thursday, Aug. 25, to discuss Constitutional issues in the news. Stephanie Reidlinger ('10) was quoted in this Sunday, Aug. 21, article in the Denver Post discussing the finding that women in Colorado convicted of sexually assaulting a child in their care are far less likely to go to prison than men sentenced for the same crime. Jordan Sekulow (’09), Executive Director of the American Center for Law and Justice, coauthored this Aug. 16 article in the Washington Post discussing Christianity and socialism.

Taking the phrase "many hands make light work" literally, 150 students, alumni, faculty and staff from Regent University's School of Law held its annual Community Service Day on Friday, Aug. 19. The group completed an estimated 600 hours of work at a number of locations around Hampton Roads, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Norfolk Law Library, St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children, Union Mission, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and The Bridge-Swap & Shop. "We were able to provide real and significant help to individuals and organizations in our community," said Regent Law Dean Jeffrey Brauch. "In doing so we were able to extend the love of Christ with both actions and words. Plus, the day was just fun &. After a week of academics, it was a joy to put the books aside and make new friends as we worked shoulder-to-shoulder for the good of others." Among other things, the students shucked 2,000 pounds of cor

This summer, Regent University's School of Law continued its partnership with Handong Global University's Handong International Law School. The South Korean school is an English-speaking Christian law school located in Pohang. Regent has a close relationship with Handong that has included sending its faculty to teach courses in South Korea. Regent Law associate professors Brad Jacob and Kathleen McKee both taught courses at Handong. Jacob taught Constitutional Criminal Procedure, and McKee taught Professional Responsibility. This was McKee's fifth time teaching at Handong. "They really are our sister law school," she said. "I love the students and they're a joy to teach." The Korean students take courses taught by American professors in English. Many of the students go on to take a bar exam in the United States and practice international law. After his three-and-a-half week course, Jacob found that his students had grown both professionally

Third-year law student Keila Molina came to Regent University for the sole purpose of learning how to be an advocate for abused and neglected children. This summer, she put her classroom education to good use with an internship at Casa Alianza, an organization dedicated to providing shelter, rehabilitation assistance, protection services and advocacy for children in Mexico City. While she spent much of her first month in the legal offices of Casa Alianza, Molina also developed a friendship with Rosi Orozco, a Christian congresswoman for Mexico's Federal District. Orozco is a vocal advocate for anti-human trafficking legislation. Along with her husband and members of their church, Orozco has established Fundacion Camino a Casa (The Way Home Foundation) which provides housing, counseling and hope for victims of sex trafficking and exploitation. For the second month of her time in Mexico, Molina lived with a group of girls from Camino a Casa and taught computer classes to the girls

Brad Jacob , associate professor in the School of Law, was a guest with Todd Starnes on Fox News Radio on Thursday, Aug. 18, to discuss First Amendment rights in the case of a Florida school teacher who was suspended and could lose his job after he voiced his objection to gay marriage on his private Facebook page. Law professor James Duane was quoted in this Tuesday, Aug. 16, article from the Daily Press (Newport News, Va.) discussing judicial powers regardng contempt of court. The article resulted from the case of a woman who died while being held in a local jail on contempt charges. Attorney-in-residence Randy Singer was a guest on 700 Club Interactive on Thursday, Aug. 18, discussing the plight of the "untouchables" in India and why he included them in his latest book. (link unavailable)

Haskell Murray , assistant professor in the School of Law, was quoted in this Wednesday, July 20, article in Virginia Business , discussing a Richmond-based company facing legal trouble from unhappy investors.

Jonathan Growick (’11) was listed among the 2011 Outstanding Law Graduates by the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section in this newsletter. 2010 grad Patrick Murphrey ’s article “Picking Up the Tab for Mom and Dad: A Look at Filial Responsibility Laws in 2011” was published in the Summer 2011 edition of Family Law News . Alumnus J. Jasen Eige (’98) was appointed counselor and senior policy advisor to Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell (’89) according to this article from healthtechzone.com. Eige previously served as a counselor and senior advisor to the governor.

First-time Virginia Bar exam takers from Regent University's School of Law achieved the highest Bar pass rate in the school's history for the 2010 exam. The Virginia Bar pass rate of 85.7% was well above the state average and third among all Virginia law schools. Results from the July exam released by the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners include the following pass percentages for first-time testers from each school: Appalachian School of Law: 65.4% College of William and Mary: 92.6% George Mason University: 85.3% Liberty University: 73.7% Regent University: 85.7% University of Richmond: 83.5% University of Virginia: 90.6% Washington and Lee University: 72.7% Nationwide, Regent Law 2010 first-time Bar takers, all states, passed at a rate of 87.2%. The most recent first-time bar pass rates for all 2010 Regent Law graduates, all states, with corresponding LSAT breakdowns are as follows: LSAT 150 or above: 89% LSAT 155 and above: 97% LSAT 160 and above: 100%

Jay Sekulow , Distinguished Professor at Regent Law and Chief Counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), recently announced the ACLJ’s new office in partnership with Handong International Law School in South Korea. Regent Law has enjoyed a relationship with Handong for five years in which students and professors from both schools participate in exchange programs . Regent Law alums Michelle Terry (’09) and husband and wife team Wesley & Abby Southerland (’07) were mentioned in this June 19 article featuring their boss, Larry Crain, senior counsel with the ACLJ .

On Tuesday, June 7th Regent Law’s office of Career & Alumni Services held its 7th Annual Judicial Internship Banquet at Founder’s Inn. Among the guests at this year’s banquet were the Hon. Raymond Jackson from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alumna the Hon. Teresa Hammons (’88) from the Virginia Beach District Court, the Hon. Colon Whitehurst, Chief Judge from the Chesapeake General District Court, and 23 student interns (pictured). Other event speakers included keynote speaker the Honorable Robert Humphreys of the Court of Appeals of Virginia, Jeffrey Brauch, Dean of Regent Law, and Alexis Fenell, student intern for the Virginia Beach General District Court. “As a rising 2L who aspires to be a clerk, the Judicial Internship Program has provided me with invaluable experience in the courtroom seeing the judicial process take place,” said Fenell. “As I plan to practice law in Virginia this internship has given me the opportunity to familiar

Virginia Governor and Regent Law alumnus Bob McDonnell ('89) signed a group of anti human trafficking laws into effect on May 31st, as reported in this Washington Times article. Center for Global Justice interns Nicole LeBoeuf and Marie Krause (2Ls) attended the ceremony as representatives of the Richmond Justice Initiative .

Over the week of May 9-13, Assistant Professor Chris Rehn taught Introduction to Commercial Law at one of Romania’s most prestigious institutions. Emanuel University and Seminary , founded by clinical psychologist and pastor Dr. Paul Negrut, is located in the capital city of Oradea on the Hungarian border. The wealthiest area in Romania, Oradea boasts enchanting castles, cathedrals, palaces and a river running through the heart of the city. Professor Rehn commented that his favorite part of the trip was not Oradea’s natural beauty but rather Emmanuel’s students. “These students are really excellent and engaged,” Rehn said. “They study in both Romanian and English - they’re quite impressive.” Although Rehn’s course is rigorous, students were able to absorb the semester-long class in one week and complete an exam the last day of classes. When not teaching, Rehn and Franco Gandolfi, visiting professor from Regent's School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship , were escort

The Board of Directors of the American Collegiate Moot Court Association (ACMA) has awarded Regent Law’s Moot Court Board the honor of hosting the 2013 National ACMA Competition featuring the top 80 teams and 160 competitors from the nation’s best law schools. Regent's Moot Court Board also hosted in 2007.

On Wednesday, April 27, a powerful storm system ripped through the South, generating tornadoes that destroyed homes and businesses. One of the hardest-hit areas was Tuscaloosa, Ala., hometown of 2L Lori Johnston. As she sat glued to the news coverage of the devastation, Johnston knew she needed to do something. "I was upset that my town was destroyed and I wasn't there to help," she said. "Then God gave me the idea to try to make a difference instead of just sitting around being upset. That's how it started." Rather than just send money to an organization already on the ground, Johnston felt strongly that she wanted to personally collect donations and then take them to Alabama. "I wanted to make sure that the donations I collected would benefit those in need. I didn't feel like making a donation to an organization and not knowing the outcome would be sufficient," she explained. "I also wanted to get back home to help out and check on fa