Bona's students 'Stomp Out Cancer'
Emily Young
Issue date: 2/12/10 Section: News
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Image courtesy of Sara Regal
Wednesday afternoon, 17 students met in the Richter Center to compete in the preliminary round of SGA's "Stomp Out Cancer" campaign.
To participate, students either paid a $5 entry fee or found sponsorships from parents or professors.
"(Dr. Paula Scraba, associate professor of physical education) sponsored me because she wanted to donate money to a good cause," Ryan Doberstein, a junior, said, regarding his sponsorship.
Students tied balloons to their ankles and competed by trying to pop their opponents balloons, according to Benjamin Freeland, an SGA member.
The 10 remaining participants competed during halftime of the men's basketball game against Fordham Wednesday for prizes including iPods and Wal-Mart gift cards, according to Sabrina Maddeaux, coordinator of "Stomp Out Cancer" and SGA president.
As the 12 minutes of the competition continued, the 10 initial students dwindled down to two: Michelle McKernan and Vasile Tivadar, both sophomores - a final pop leaving McKernan as the winner.
"It didn't turn out so great for me, but I was happy to support a good cause," sophomore Joseph Pechie said.
However, the 17 participating students paled in comparison to the 40-50 students involved last year, according to Maddeaux.
"Last year SGA raised around $2,100 for the 'I'm too young for this!,' a youth cancer advocacy organization.
However, we also ran a much bigger event last year where the balloon stomp was only part of the fundraising effort," Maddeaux said.
Though fewer students competed this year than last, SGA reported there were several other students who had donated but could not compete due to scheduling conflicts.
"We were in a situation where we were competing for fundraising dollars after many students had already given to other causes in the last few weeks. A lot of sudents contributed to Haiti relief and purchased T-shirts to benefit breast cancer at the women's basketball game last week. I think that many students didn't feel like they could give to yet another fundraiser within such a short timeframe," she said.
Though Maddeaux was disappointed that there were not many students participating, she hold hope for future campaigns SGA will hold.
"I think that it would be a shame for the program to not continue because of one mediocre performance," she said. "The Stomp Out Cancer" event in any form, supports an amazing organization and important cause."
"Stomp Out Cancer" raised $200 this year and all proceeds will be going to the "I'm Too Young For This!" a youth cancer advocacy organization, according to a Notice Board.
The final goal of the program however was not to simply raise money, but spread awareness according to Maddeaux.
"Although we raised less funds than last year, I think we took it a step up with the awareness part of our campaign."
e-mail: younger@sbu.edu
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