DUBOIS – Student Clubs at Penn State DuBois are shattering records for the amount of money they have raised for area charities and organizations. According to the Office of Student Life clubs have donated $10,360 during the Fall 2008 semester alone. The combined total for both fall and spring semesters last year was $10,660. “Our student organizations have raised the same amount of money in one semester as was raised during the entire year in the past,” said Chancellor Anita McDonald. “The spring semester has not even begun, and we’re already on course to raise more money in a single year than ever before.”
The largest contributor to this total so far is the Penn State DuBois Business Society, which raised over $5,000 for the DuBois Area United Way through its Casino Night event. “We really want to thank the Business Society for doing this,” said United Way Director Herm Suplizio. “It was an excellent fundraiser for the community, and it shows that those students have pride in the community and really do care.”
Some student organizations, however, also donate items or services. Recently Occupational Therapy Students donated Occupational Therapy Kits to Clearfield Hospital. Also, the Human Development and Family Studies Club helps charitable organizations organize community activities. For example, members work with Big Brothers Big Sisters to take children bowling each year. “The HDFS Club provides a link between students and the community,” said club member, Shannon Kassab. “It’s so rewarding to see the children’s faces light up.”
One of the most successful fund-raising organizations on campus is the Penn State DuBois THON Committee. Last year they raised nearly $7,000 for the Penn State dance marathon, which benefits children with cancer. Since the THON event takes place in February, Associate Director of Student Life Rebecca Pennington said the THON Committee’s campaign has just kicked off, and will surely raise a substantial amount of funds in the coming weeks.
“I am so truly proud of this campus and our students,” Pennington said. She continues, “The time and effort that they have put into raising these funds and making these contributions speaks to the character of our students and the Penn State family.”