Humor U shows, benefit concerts and a ping-pong tournament are some ways BYU clubs are raising money for a charity of their choice during Care Week.
Care Week is Nov. 26–30 and is the one time this semester that clubs can collect money and other donations for a charity. BYUSA executive director, Sarah Jacobsen, said Care Week started a few years ago as a way to help clubs centralize their efforts into one week so students won't be overwhelmed with donation requests all year.
'Clubs wanted to do a lot for charities, and they were always doing events and fundraising,' Jacobsen said. 'We created this one week so it would all happen at once.'
Scott Perron, BYUSA program director from Dietrich, Idaho, said Care Week helps students participate in the spirit of Thanksgiving.
'Each club picks their own charity that they want to donate to,' Perron said. 'They usually try to find something that goes with what they do. I think it is important to show our love for other people and show we are thankful for what we are given. It shows the Lord we are grateful when we serve others.'
Rob Nielsen, vice president of the ping-pong club, said the club is holding a ping-pong tournament, 'Paddle Battle 2012,' to raise money for the Make-a-Wish foundation. The event is Thursday Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. in the Wilkinson center terrace. Admission to play or to watch is $2.
'The tournament will have players of all levels,' Nielsen said. 'We are also going to have a well-known faculty member play Sophia, a Make-a-Wish child. There is going to be a demo match by two players from the U.S. men's national team. It's going to be awesome. We hope this will impact people to not just to donate that day, but to look in the future for how they can serve.'
Aaron Woodall, a member of Humor U, said they will be doing four shows and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Provo food bank. They are also encouraging students to bring food to donate in addition to the admission fee ($4 at the Wilkinson information desk or $5 at the door). Woodall, a senior from Bowie, Md., said collaborating with the food bank makes the shows more meaningful for him and other club members.
'It's been more fun than a normal show,' Woodall said. 'We're making people laugh and providing a substantial donation for an organization that does a lot of good in our neighborhood.'
Jacobsen encouraged students to visit the BYUSA website to find out about the different activities and choose a way to serve.
'Service is more of a mindset,' Jacobsen said. 'An event like this is a bigger way to give service to people who you couldn’t give service to otherwise. They are setting this opportunity for everyone, so it’s really easy to give service.'