Students Raise money for Charity

The first “Change for Charity” event was held at Radford University to raise money for the Special Olympics Foundation.

By: Emily Morris
eamorris@radford.edu

RADFORD-Although it was a breezy day Radford students, faculty and local residents came out to support a good cause.

The recreational workshop class held a mini carnival this year as a fundraiser for the Special Olympics. They set up games, raffles and competitions. The events included a dart board game, a wishing well kiddy pool, and the most popular event, the dunking booth. For one dollar, each person was allowed three throws to drunk whoever was inside. The recreational workshop students took turns sitting in the booth to be dunked.

In addition to the games tables were set up for a competition between the students of each major with jars representing each department to see which one could raise the most money.

“ We’ll accept anything, a penny, a dime, a dollar, whatever they would like to donate,” said Chris Roberts, event director, “If you are just walking by and would like to donate but not play a game that is appreciated.”

This year the class decided to donate their proceeds to the Special Olympics Foundation because of their use of recreational activities. “We were thinking about worthy causes that are related to recreation and Special Olympics was just a perfect fit,” said Roberts.

Students funded and planned the event. Each student in the class each gave $20 toward the cost of the event. The students have been planning for the event since the beginning of the semester.

Roberts said the event is something different for students to participate in and he hopes that will get more students involved. “We are hoping it is something fun to take their mind off of class for the ten minutes they walk in between classes,” said Roberts.

Every year the recreational workshop class at RU sponsors a fundraiser to donate money to a needy organization. At the beginning of the semester the class begins to brainstorm ideas of how to raise the money for an Organization.

Last year the class held a battle of the bands at Chancey’s Restaurant. The event was a huge success and raised approximately one thousand dollars.

However, this year the goal has set their goal for several hundred dollars. “We are hoping to earn a couple hundred dollars at least,” said Cody Blischok, event co-organizer, “We think every little bit is going to help the Special Olympics.”

The class holds 7 other recreational programs throughout the year in addition to the charity event. They hold programs such as community events, senior appreciation activities, and travel programs.

For more information about the Change for Charity or the recreational department you can contact Cody Blischok at clbischok@radford.edu.