The Student Government Association (SGA) hosted “Limitless Night,” an event raising $1,128.53 for 2011 alumnus Becca Baier whose mother was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer, this past Friday, Dec. 6, in Boylan Gymnasium.
The fundraiser was entitled “Limitless Night” because Baier believed that the word limitless is the best word to describe her mother, Clare Baier.
As a former Residence Assistant (RA), member of SGA, orientation leader, and coordinator of “The Big Event” and “Spring Fest,” Baier touched many students at the University. Also as a sister of Alpha Xi Delta (AXID), her sisters came together to raise money for her situation.
The fundraiser consisted of a volleyball tournament that was open to the entire University. Teams could be from six to eight players and it was a $15 entrance fee for all of the teams. All of the money made from the volleyball tournament would be donated to the Baier family.
In the starting of the tournament, coordinator of the event Erin Smith, SGA Finance Director, opened up with a speech. She asked everyone to stand who knew Baier, then asked those involved with Greek Life, then other organizations, and then students of the University. It was a ripple effect, and Smith’s speech was able to show how many people were influenced by Baier.
Smith said, “I knew Becca personally. I worked with her on orientation and on SGA. She is a great friend of mine, and she would have done this for me so I knew it was something I wanted to do for her.”
All of the teams were made up of different University students and different organizations on campus. Participating in the event was AXID sister, Meghan Palotta, who said, “It was incredible to see how many people from all different groups and organizations on campus came out Friday night to support such a great cause! I was so happy I was able to be a part of Alpha Xi Delta’s volleyball team.”
There were many sponsors who donated food and prizes to the event. Food and refreshments were provided by Gianni’s, Jersey Mike’s, Scalas, Dunkin Donuts and SGA. Many of the prizes that were handed out were donated by Bagel Guys Deli, SAB, Athletics, and the University’s bookstore. They also provided a DJ for entertainment while the teams played and competed against one another.
While the event was occurring, Smith went around and collected raffle tickets and at the end of each round she called out different winners who received prizes from the donating sponsors.
Smith said, “Leading into the event, 18 teams signed up for volleyball, in the end 24 teams came out to play!”
While the teams battled it out on the court, other organizations were finding other ways to fundraise and help collect donations for Baier. SGA was collecting $3 donations at the door for anyone who wanted to help out the cause, while the sisters of Alpha Xi Delta were selling “Care for Clare” bracelets for $2 to be able to help out their sister. The bracelets were grey in color to represent brain cancer awareness.
Kristia Takacs, sister of AXID, said, “Being able to participate in this event and help out a fellow sister is an amazing feeling. Knowing that our proceeds will help such an inspiring woman is so awesome.”
As the event came to a close, the last two teams went up against each other. The winning team was the “Diglets”. The “Diglets” were a team of off-campus male students from the University. The team won a $100 gift card to Roonies.
Smith said, “All together I feel that it was an extremely successful event.”
‘“Limitless Night’ shows that Hawks do fly together and we always help one another,” said Baier. “How would I describe my mother? Kind. Strong. Limitless. Help us add ‘Cancer survivor’ to that list.”
PHOTO TAKEN by Nicole Napholz
