Designers Giving Back

It all started when Brian Mezzi, a full-time design student at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, donated his spring break to United Way of South Mississippi. In a program called Alternative Spring Break, run by United Way, 50 young individuals from 20 states all traveled to Biloxi, Mississippi to donate their spring break to helping the Gulf Coast community. After spending a week down on the Gulf Coast, Brian came to the realization that such natural disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and now the tragic Deepwater Horizon oil spill could not have happened to a more undeserving group of people.

Once Brian was back in Pittsburgh, word spread quickly to his friends and family. There was nothing like the feeling of giving back and making a difference. Brian told United Way of South Mississippi that he planned on donating his Summer Break, and would travel back down to the Gulf Coast. Once the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill happened, Brian quickly got in contact with UWSM and sought out opportunities to help out with whatever may be needed, but this time, not alone. Several of his fellow designers, both recent graduates and current students decided that they too wanted to make a difference.

Now, Brian Mezzi, Charles Beal, Erin Surrock, and Dann Malihom are all planning on spending a month on the Gulf Coast, helping the community recover.

This donation page is dedicated to supporting United Way of South Mississippi & Designers Giving Back volunteers with their travel, room & board during the 4 weeks that they will be in Biloxi, MS.

Brian Mezzi & Charles Beal - The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

Erin Surrock & Dann Malihom - University of Maryland Baltimore County.