It’s 3 o’clock in the morning. Do you know where some Fairfield University students are?
The answer to that question would surprise many people. These particular students are not studying for finals, writing last minute term papers, or even playing beirut. These students were participating in the Fairfield University Bowl-a-thon. This was no ordinary night of free bowling, however. This time students were bowling for a good cause.
The December 6th night of bowling started at 9PM, and was lasted until 8AM the next morning. Many of the bowlers were given pledge sheets and donated money through their sponsors. All of the donations collected were given to the Evergreen Network.
The Evergreen Network is a non-profit organization that benefits families in the greater Bridgeport area affected with AIDS. Fairfield University also provides volunteers to the Sunshine Kids program, which is a branch of the Evergreen Network. Students volunteer every Thursday afternoon from 3 until 6, and they play with and look after children infected with the AIDS virus.
Graduate assistant Chris Biello organized this year’s bowl-a-thon. He has organized fundraisers for the university before. “Last year I organized the Rock n’ Jock softball game, and with 40 people we were able to raise $6000,” Biello said. “I saw the success of the Thursday night free bowling program, so I figured that a bowl-a-thon with 400 people could raise quite a bit of money for charity.”
The night of bowling featured free pizza, McDonalds, and Dunkin Donuts. Students also were entered in a raffle drawing that included such prizes as a television, stereo, DVD player, and tickets to the upcoming Billy Joel and Elton John concert. WVOF was also on hand to take music requests all night long.
“We had so much fun playing music, pumping people up, and making fun of bowlers,” WVOF Station Manager Jeff Stone ’03 said. “If you missed it, then you missed a great event.” Alumni Rocco Guerrera ’01 enjoyed the music and added, “WVOF did a great job of pumping music out all night long.”
Students on hand at the event had nothing but positive things to say about the evening. “I’ve developed a tricky foot fungus from these bowling shoes, but I’m willing to overlook that for this wonderful cause,” said Rob Rocco ’02.
“Wait … 112 who? This has been the best event all year,” said Megan Ur ’03.
“Tonight was full of good times,” said Kristine Poplawski ’04. “I’ve been here since 10, and I’m going until 3. WVOF rocked the house, and it was good to see people come out and participate.”
Teachers: if students happen to have missed their classes on Friday, please do not be offended. As of 3 o’clock in the morning, the amount raised for the Evergreen Network is reaching the $4000 mark with 5 hours remaining. Bowlers will come home exhausted, but will have succeeded in making a difference in the lives of AIDS afflicted families.
Colin Davis ’03 seemed to capture the sentiment of the evening and said, “There is nothing wrong with having a blast and helping a wonderful cause.”
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