Thirty-three million people in The United States do not know where their next meal is coming from. The National Student Campaign Against Hunger ‘ Homelessness instituted an annual event to fight against it 19 years ago.
What resulted was the Annual Hunger Cleanup which now takes place on the first Saturday of every April. This year on Saturday, April 5, it will be Fairfield’s 15th time participating in the Hunger Cleanup.
“It’s a unique event on campus which reaches a large section of the population,” said Co-leader Richi Gruffy, ’03. During the event students, faculty, administration, and staff work as volunteers at different shelters, youth centers, and non-profit organizations all over Fairfield and Bridgeport as well as make donations to the fundraising aspect of the cleanup.
Assistant Professor of Accounting Suzanne Lyngaas, who has participated in The Hunger Cleanup before, said that this event “is when I’m most proud of our Fairfield students. It is the best of what we’re about here.”
Last year, Fairfield University won the Gold Medal Award of Excellence by raising $13,000 and recruiting 500 volunteers. Co-leader Sara Brady, ’03, said, “Fairfield’s success is due to hard work, persistence and good organization.” Gruffy added, “We also have a strong group of people that very consistently are willing to give us tons of money.”
Half of the money earned goes back to the non-profit organizations in the Fairfield area. The other half goes to the campaign, with 15 percent of it given to the International Development Exchange to donate to grassroots funds across the world. Last year it was given to the Girl-Child Network in Zimbabwe.
This year the co-leaders and board members of Fairfield’s Hunger Cleanup chapter hope to exceed last year’s numbers by raising $15,000 and recruiting 550 volunteers. Recruiting depends not only on individual students volunteering, but also on the number of clubs and athletic teams who pledge to do the cleanup together.
Co-leader Christopher Dill, ’03, said, “It’s an eye opener for a lot of people, but it’s also a lot of fun. It’s a chance to work with friends, peers and professors towards a common goal.”
On the day of the event, volunteers will receive a wake-up call from the board members and assemble behind Alumni Hall for a breakfast of bagels and donuts provided by donations.
At 9 a.m. the people and groups will receive their assignments for the day and go to them. At approximately noon the groups will return and will be treated to a picnic and entertainment.
Co-leader Meghan Flanagan, ’05, said “We’re excited about having three different types of entertainment this year, so this should be fun.” This year WVOF, the Fairfield On the Spot Crew, and a band, yet to be determined, will be the source of entertainment.
There will also be prizes for the most money raised for the cleanup which will mostly consist of gift certificates donated by the local restaurants and stores.
Board member Matt Ryzeqski, ’03, said “It’s a chance for the university to come together in solidarity in a tangible way.”
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