TKE Hosts Annual Car Smash Behind the Student Center
Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) hosted its second annual Car Smash last Wednesday, October 26, in an effort to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event took place behind the Student Center, and participants were charged money to hit the car.
Participants were provided with safety goggles and a sledge hammer. Signing a waiver was required for liability reasons.
At the end of the day over $200 was raised for St. Jude by donations of students, faculty, and staff.
Duquesne, the opposing team for Homecoming weekend, was painted on the car to help promote school spirit.
The car was donated by Mazza & Sons Demolition and Recycling. Mazza & Sons helped by towing the car to the Student Center and then towing it back to their Recycling Center, to salvage the scrap metal.
Joe Dellera, sophomore, works at Mazza & Sons as a desk assistant. He is a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon and organized the event. He said, “I think it is a really good event, because it is interactive and everyone has an opportunity to participate. I’ve seen each department come and support St. Jude Chilren’s Research Hospital and it does raise a lot of money. Plus it’s fun!”
Demanuel Edmonson, senior, and current Vice President of TKE said, “I’m glad it’s not just students participating but faculty and staff as well.” When asked why students enjoyed hitting the car so much, he said, “It helps take frustrations out for midterms!”
However, students were not the only ones attracted to the event. Professor Richard Veit said “The Car Smash was a great stress reliever and a lot of fun.” He also noted that this was his first time donating to St. Jude.
Professor Joseph Patten said, “It was a great way to relieve some stress while helping a great cause. TKE did a great job in creating a lot of energy around the event and it’s great to know the organization is helping awareness and funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.”
Specialized techniques were used when striking the car. Some ventured on top of the car and struck down, while others attacked from the side. All participants were cheered on when smashing, especially if you were a professor. However, one member of TKE stated he knew the correct way to strike.
Matthew Avellino, a biology major, said, “People think if you hold the sledge hammer at the bottom, you’ll get a better swing. That is incorrect. You want to hold it midway and slide your top hand down. You have the weight of the sledge hammer, gravity bringing the weight down, and the force of your muscles exerting on the sledge hammer. That movement give added force.” He concluded that the car smash is great because, “If you’re walking by, you can get out a little aggression. It helps with all the people to cheer you on.”
TKE has always contributed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. So far this year they have organized a dodgeball tournament and cosponsored a dunk tank event.
According to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, their goal is to “advance cures, and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. No child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.”
PHOTO COURTESY of Brian Haliskoe
