Hendrix College students raised more than $50,000 through Campus Kitty, a week-long series of fundraising activities and events for local charities.

The total amount raised is a new all-time record for Campus Kitty, exceeding the previous record raised in 2009 by more than $8,000.

“As a senior, never in my four years at Hendrix have I been more proud of our campus than when I stood on the stage at Miss Hendrix and announced the grand total raised this school year,” said Malena Outhay, a senior biochemistry molecular biology major from Alma, Ark., who served as chair of the 2011-2012 Campus Kitty committee.

Campus Kitty also received 823 donations of canned goods and an estimated $74,300 in in-kind donations, she added.

Charities benefitting from the 2011-2012 Campus Kitty events include:

Independent Living Service
Community Service Inc.
The Stewpot
Arkansas Justice for Our Neighbors
Conway Cradle Care
Make a Child Smile
Conway Interfaith Clinic
The Safe Place
HAVEN
Camp Aldersgate

“Campus Kitty has had such a powerful impact on both the Hendrix and Conway communities,” said Avery Roller, a senior biology major from Purdy, Mo., who served as first vice chair of the committee this year. “I hope the funds we have raised for these 10 charities this year will help them to better reach those that they serve.”

More than 1,500 students, faculty, and staff participated in Campus Kitty events this year. Among this year’s events were the Best Coast and Ghostland Observatory concert sponsored by KHDX, the campus radio station, Red Light Revue, Miss Hendrix, and whiffle ball and poker tournaments.

Brent Owens, assistant director of student activities, called Campus Kitty “a hidden gem” for the College.

“The support from the students and Hendrix Community is overwhelming,” said Owens, an advisor to the Campus Kitty committee. “The fact that our students give their time, their limited funds, and their energy for local charities is something that truly makes Hendrix special. Having buy-in from our staff and faculty makes Campus Kitty a holistic experience that clearly shows the strength of the Hendrix Community.”

“I really loved getting to know each of our charities on an individual basis,” said Robin Brown, a junior environmental studies major from Little Rock, Ark., who served as secretary for the committee. “We set goal throughout the year in order to make a significant contribution to our non-profit organizations.”

Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is a national leader in engaged liberal arts and sciences education. Hendrix was named the country’s #1 “Up and Coming” liberal arts college for the third consecutive year by U.S. News and World Report. Hendrix is featured in the 2011 edition of the Princeton Review as one of the country’s best 376 colleges and is listed in the 2012 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges as one of 25 “Best Buy” private colleges included. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. For more information, visit