Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) teamed up with Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), a Pre-Professional Health Honor Society, to host their 3rd annual car smash on Tuesday, Sept. 17, outside of the Rebecca Stafford Student Center (RSSC).
Over 70 students and faculty members actively participated in the car smash, and countless others donated without participating in the smashing. TKE and AED helped raise over $375 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Brian Deo, senior and business management major, worked tirelessly to make sure that the car smash was a success.
Deo was responsible for contacting Joe Mazza, of Mazza Scrap Metal, LLC who was able to donate the car to the fundraising event. Deo also worked with Student Services as well as University Facilities Management to ensure safety precautions to students and faculty members including protective eyewear, safety waivers and a barrier around the car.
“This is definitely a unique way of fundraising,” said Deo. “It is a great way to get the student body involved while still donating.”
Giovanni Casale, senior and finance major, also played a key role in the car smash. Casale helped obtain the safety supplies, but moreover, was actively seen getting many students to take a swing at the car.
Casale said, “Last year this fundraiser was more for homecoming, but this year it’s strictly a fundraiser. Regardless, it’s something fun for students to do, destroying something for a good cause.”
Historically, TKE has held their car smashes during the week of homecoming to energize the student body, but this year it was “strictly a fundraiser.”
Shayna Popkin, senior and president of AED, was very excited to lend a helping hand during the TKE Car Smash. “We asked TKE to be a part of this fundraiser because we want to help raise money for St. Jude as well,” says Popkin.
“This is a great way to make freshmen and sophomores aware of our program, and it’s also a fun and energetic way to raise money for St. Jude,” Popkin continued.
To be a part of the AED Pre-Professional Health Honor Society, you would have to have at least a 3.2 GPA, and at least 12 Biology credits to apply. AED has hosted numerous events in the past, including volunteering at an AIDS house last year, a Polar Bear Club event, and other cancer awareness events.
Popkin said, “We like helping people. As a club, we like to help do good things.”
TKE’s third annual car smash made active participants sign waivers prior to partaking in the smashing activities.
Early in last year’s fall semester, TKE had planned a car smash, but plans were derailed due to Superstorm Sandy.
This is the first of many TKEhosted philanthropic events. TKE plans to host a dodgeball tournament and a “Dancing with the Tekes” fundraiser later in the year.
Photo Taken by Taylor Copp
