Ball raises money for Special Olympics
By Andrea Ragni
The 2nd-annual Charity Ball this Saturday night will benefit the Special Olympics events that happen on the Santa Clara campus.
The Charity Ball, which was started last year to benefit Buchser Middle School, raised over $4,500, which went to the school after it partially burned from a fire last winter.
Planning of this year's Charity Ball is being overseen by senior Ross Egge. The idea for the ball came from Associated Students, but this year, the Santa Clara Community Action Program has taken over the majority of the responsibility because of the work they do with the Olympics.
There are two Special Olympics events held annually at Santa Clara. The soccer tournament is held in October and the two-day basketball tournament in April.
"We have to have a way to raise money for these events, so the Charity Ball is a perfect way to do that," Erin Lovette, the advisor for SCCAP, said.
AS is providing a substantial amount of funding for the program this year, rather than acting as the main organizers as it did last year. "This year we have more of a supporting role," Associated Students President Annie Selak said. "We support the monetary side of it as well as publicizing and selling tickets."
"This is a really unique event because it's the only chance for the student body to attend a semi-formal event," she said.
In addition to fundraising and providing a social opportunity for students, the event unites all eight student organizations.
"It's a great opportunity, and there is something unique about putting on an event such as this at a Jesuit university," Selak said. "It's what the ideals are all about."
Junior Krista McNamara, editor in chief of The Redwood, explained how her organization is involved in the event, saying they are providing their time and money for the event. They will also help set up, take down, plan and advertise the event.
McNamara also explained how this event has benefited the student organizations involved. "The importance is first and foremost helping such a wonderful program," she said. "It is important for the CSOs to come together and use our resources as a group. Combined we are capable of doing so many things for this campus and this event signifies our unity and dedication to the campus and the ideals of Santa Clara."
Those ideals are similar to those of the Special Olympics program, say those involved. The Special Olympics provide people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to participate in sporting events year round. The oath of the Olympics states their ideals simply: "Let me win; but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Founded in the 1960s, the program has grown significantly over the years. The Northern California chapter boasts over 13,000 active athletes, who participate in events throughout the year.
Santa Clara wanted to foster these ideals, and thus gets the campus involved in two events, providing a venue and volunteers. SCCAP offers Santa Clara students with the opportunity to assist these events. The charity ball will give students another opportunity to support this organization.
The event is being held Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight in the Adobe Lodge. Refreshments will be provided and tickets are $10 before hand and can be purchased at the Benson information desk and the MCC. Tickets can also be purchased the day of or at the door for $12.
The event is being co-sponsored by all eight of the chartered student organizations on campus -- SCCAP, AS, the Activities Programming Board, The Redwood, The Santa Clara, The Multicultural Center, The Santa Clara Review and KSCU.
* Contact Andrea Ragni at (408) 554-4546 or aragni@scu.edu.