SAN ANTONIO — A University of Texas at San Antonio management class is in the middle of a fundraising project to benefit Alpha Home, a recovery house for women.

• Students have been raising money for Alpha Home
• Alpha Home is a recovery house for women
• The professor that was helping them raise money passed away

But these graduate students were dealt a heartbreaking blow to their efforts. They lost their leader, but not the spirit and drive he instilled within them.

The small group of UTSA school of business graduate students were led by Dr. Matthew McCarter, an associate professor of management at the school.  It was the project for his class that led to a collaboration with Alpha Home, raising funds for the organization, which has been providing assistance for women in crisis since 1966.

But on July 7, just shortly after the fundraising efforts began, McCarter passed away.

"It was a big shock to the entire class," said John Cise, project manager for the fundraiser. "But we're picking up that energy that we got through our professor and really running with it in his memory."

The project, Seeds of Hope, is raising funds for all of the organization’s programs including intervention, education, and drug and alcohol treatment. The students desire to move forward, strikes a familiar chord with members of the addiction community.

"For us, it's such a testimony to know that we're doing something in somebody's honor.  And it speaks volumes to tenacity, to resilience," said Alpha Home CEO Angela White.

That resiliency is evident, as the goal remains the same — the students need to reach $100,000 in the next 21 days.

"It's not just about the money.  We want people to know about this cause and help out in any way they can. But, you know it's a great time to give," said Cise.

If you'd like more information on the fundraiser, Alpha House, or how to donate, visit the fundraiser’s website.