Communication Organizations Raise Money for Relay for Life
On Friday, March 2, the University’s most active and prominent organizations got together to raise money for Relay for Life. This gathering consisted of support from members of, WMCX, Hawk TV, The Outlook, Desperate Mamas and Desperate Students. Desperate Mamas, a group of University faculty dedicated to fighting cancer, celebrated its fifth birthday.
Donna Mancini, Office Coordinator of Radio and TV as well as a leading member of Desperate Mamas, says, “We aim to have fun. We have a reputation of pushing the envelope, as we aim to fulfill [our goals] too.”
Mancini added, “The groups are supportive of each other and each has a different strength.”
The lobby had been decorated with a variety of colored flags, banners, streamers and party balloons. Local vendors lined the halls, selling everything from Uggs and jewelry to hot dogs and kitchen supplies. Those who came to the event were able to play Guitar Hero at a station in the corner of the lobby.
Desperate Mamas was stationed in the center of the Plangere lobby, though they had tables set up along the adjacent halls to hold the raffle prizes. They sold raffle tickets in portions of one, five and 10 dollars to raise money. The prizes included gifts cards, items and services from venues such as Spellbinders, Medusa Hair Design Studio, Retro Fitness, Joe’s Crab Shack, Tip to Toe Beauty, Organic Style and Windmill. There were a total of 48 different prizes to win.
Gina Cerra, a junior as well as promoter for the event, says, “It’s absolutely fabulous. I think it’s a great idea. We should do a fundraiser every month. Relay is a great cause.”
She went on, adding, “We should do this for other foundations as well.”
The concern for those in need, and the desire to raise money to assist them, showed in every person who had come to aid in the event.
Anna Chamberlain, a sophomore as well as Hawk TV promotions director, says, “We’ve been selling a lot of tickets and received a lot of donations. This is for all those who are suffering; we just want to help them out.”
The lobby televisions, as well as WMCX, broadcasted the performances of various live bands that were playing in the Plangere studio. The studio was set up with a variety of backgrounds and stages to celebrate the mood of the event.
The bands were Roseld, Loose Fit, Devil’s Holiday and Time Will Tell. Each brought their own mix of strong vocals and talented musician ship. Between bands, acoustic artists played a few songs to bring in more donations. The efforts of the soloists and bands alike showed the audience how to rock out while raising money.
Some of the solo performances included Diego Allessandro, senior, and Amanda Duncan, a local artist.
Allessandro says, “It’s nice to be able to do something for a worthwhile cause.” He is a member of Hawk TV and as well as WMCX.
Duncan sold pens as well as her EP to raise more money. The audience was happy to purchase after her fun songs and charismatic nature got the whole studio dancing.
This was one of many events held to raise money. Desperate Mamas, which is a single group out of all those that aim to help others, has also hosted the Superbowl Party, Birthday Bash and will be hosting a calendar raffle. This event entails a prize being given every day from March 14 to April 13.
PHOTO COURTESY of Dan Villanova
