Move over MTV. Fairfield University has taken over Rock N’ Jock.
The second annual Rock N’ Jock softball event in the history of Fairfield University is coming to a field near you on April 19, and this year promises to be a grand slam event.
All proceeds are going to the Make-A-Wish foundation, a non-profit, non-state funded organization that grants “wishes” to children from the age of four to eighteen with terminal illnesses.
This year’s game hits close to home; the proceeds will help five-year-old Zachary from Norwich, Connecticut, cousin of grad assistant Erin Morrelli, to travel to Walt Disney world.
Starting last year as another way to help raise money as a community, the first annual Rock N’ Jock softball game exceeded everyone’s expectations. With a goal of $5,000, the event pulled in $1,000 excess. All proceeds went to a young girl whose wish was to go to the Oscars.
“The event is a fun way to raise funds, but more importantly, to raise awareness,” said graduate assistant Chris Biello. “Especially with Sept. 11 and all the donations to the victims’ families, many small organizations have shut down. The Make-A-Wish foundation is non-profit and non-funded by the state and has a small staff. Without donations, it cannot survive.”
Participants in the event were hand picked. Each player was asked to donate or get donations of up to $50. One of this year’s teams is the gray team, managed by Jim Fitzpatrick, vice president of Student Services, and Jeremy Nappi from Alumni Relations. The competing black team is managed by Jeanne DiMuzio from Counseling Services and John Falzone from the Operations and Carpentry Department.
Both teams consist of members of the faculty and administration, alumni, security, and students that represent the various organizations on campus, such as FUSA and IRHG.
“The players are handpicked. It’s a fun aspect on campus and you get to see something that you don’t get to see very often, people who normally wouldn’t interact playing softball together,” said an enthused Biello.
The goal for this year is to raise $10,000, up from last year’s goal of $5,000. With a Bowl-A-Thon on Thursday, April 18, scheduled from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. the following morning, students are encouraged to go out and seek donations to help meet this goal. For those who raise at least $25, a Rock N’ Jock t-shirt will be their reward.
In addition, there will be a Silent Auction on the bottom level of the Barone Campus Center on April 19 starting at 11:00 a.m., auctioning off such items as Yankee tickets, autographed items, and items from the team members themselves. There will also be a queen-sized couch, donated from Bob’s, auctioned off at the game itself.
“Everyone should have a great time and a lot of fun. At the same time, we can raise money and awareness for a great cause and a very special kid,” said Eddie Seavers, ’03. “It’s just a shame though, that the gray team is going to lose.”
“Hopefully, in ten years from now, this event will still be going on. I’ve planted the seed, and with people like Steph Holland, ’02, who has been a tremendous help, the community will continue to get involved,” said Biello. “This event has no budget. It’s just an event, but it’s significant.”
The fun starts with a Home Run Derby at 4:00 p.m. and the game itself begins at 5:00 p.m., with Zachary hopefully throwing the first pitch with his family watching proudly in the stands.
Zachary is a very active five-year-old boy from Norwich, CT, living with his parents and two brothers. He loves to play sports; basketball and baseball are his favorites. He enjoys spending time with his family and loves being an older brother. He also enjoys taking care of his family’s cows. Zach has always dreamed of going to Disney world to “ride the roller coasters and meet the characters.”
Come out and support Rock N’ Jock and Zachary on April 19. If you cannot make it out to the field, the game will be broadcast on WVOF, 88.5 FM. In the campus center, there will be performances by Cross Eyed Charlie and Awkward Silence starting at 11 a.m. and the Silent Auction will be going on simultaneously.
After the game, there will be a party at the Levee with a performance by Seeking Homer. Here, students, organizations, and participants will be recognized for their individual contributions.
A promo video will be airing on the HAM channel next week, showing highlights from last year’s game, clips of Zachary, and giving information on this year’s festivities.
For more information, contact Erin Morrelli or Chris Biello at extension 2346 or check out the website at http://mypage.campuspipeline.com/cbiello/rocknjock.html.
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