The University of Denver is hosting the fundraising event, DU Lights the Night, in support of Elephant Energy and Eagle Energy’s renewable energy projects in Africa and the Navajo Nation attempting to address the need for electricity in developing countries.

The event will be held at Sturm College of Law on Oct. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Executive Director Doug Vilsack, started Elephant Energy in 2008 with the intention of improving the quality of life in developing countries, such as Namibia, with the use of appropriate sustainable energy technologies (ASET).

Because only 15 percent of rural households in Namibia have a connection to electricity, Elephant Energy has used ASET’s such as BoGo solar power flashlights to supply these locations with needed electricity.

The organization expanded to the United States as Eagle Energy, in honor of our country’s national bird, to help improve the quality of life for the Navajo Nation.

This event, which is free to attend, will kick off with conversation, complimentary appetizers and refreshments as well as a slideshow highlighting their work in Africa and the Navajo Nation.

Presentations will start at 6:45 p.m. and will be given by DU professors K.K. DuVivier, who teaches energy, mining, civil procedure and renewable energy law and Don Smith, who teaches environmental and natural resources law.  DuVivier has expertise in renewable energy law and policy and recently released a solar energy reader while donating to EE in the past. Smith is Lecturer and Director of Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy. He will be discussing the issues of energy poverty and linkages to overall economic development for the base of the economic pyramid.

Recent Korbel grad Katie Murphy, the Africa Program Director for Elephant Energy, and Eagle Energy representative Liz Hutchinson will also speak at the event.

Hutchinson is a Sturm Law student and the Managing Editor of University of Denver Water Law Review. She has been volunteering with Eagle Energy’s Solar Schools program for the last six months.

Murphy encourages all DU students and the Denver community to attend the event and learn about Elephant Energy and Eagle Energy as well as the current situation in developing countries and within the United States.

“A lot of people are interested in renewable energy. It is important from an environmental standpoint but also on a human standpoint,” said Murphy. “1.3 billion people are living without electricity, which greatly affects their quality of life and it is keeping people in poverty.”

The event gives supporters the chance to hear about the progress Elephant Energy and Eagle Energy have made this past year.

It is also an opportunity for newcomers to get general information about their unique work and the difference they have made.

DU students are also intrigued by this organization and the current situation in different developing countries.

“This is a great organization because it benefits people who are less fortunate and do not have access to electricity. It makes you appreciate what you have more. Even the most simplest [of] things as electricity,” said Elizabeth Hinton a junior majoring in psychology.

Hinton goes on to explain that it is discomforting to think that a good amount of people living in the Navajo nation do not have access to electricity and are subject to a poverty lifestyle.

“It is strange to think that all of this occurs so close to home. It makes me want to do something to help,” said Hinton.

The University of Colorado at Boulder will also be hosting the same event that evening. Each university will be competing with one another to see who can raise the most amount of donations.

Donations, which are not required, will be collected at the end of the evening. Cash and checks will both be accepted.

“Each donation will receive a 30 percent match from the organization Global Giving. People can also make a donation to the cause online with the organization after the event,” said Murphy.

Donations online at www.globalgiving.org will also receive a 30 percent match starting at 10 p.m. the evening of Oct. 16.

If the event receives enough donations, Global Giving will give up to an additional $3,000.