The Student Government held a week of on-campus activities called “Spring Fling,” using the funds previously allocated to the canceled Founders’ Day Ball.
AU students and the environment both benefited from the week’s events.
Money raised by the Spring Gala Saturday night and from throwing plates of whipped cream at SG leaders on the quad Thursday were donated to the Clean Energy Revolving Fund.
Students who attended the Spring Gala spent the night dancing and enjoyed a midnight brunch in the University Club. The event was moved from its original location outside on the quad to the University Club in Mary Graydon Center due to rain.
Despite problems arising from weather and conflicts with greek formals, Drew Veysey, the director for environmental policy of SG, said that everyone who came to the Spring Formal had a great time.
Approximately 100 people attended the Spring Gala, according to Director of Events Jenny Kim. Pre-sale tickets were sold for $5, and tickets at the door were sold for $8.
Kim said she has not yet determined the total amount of money raised during Spring Fling week.
The SG was able to purchase door prizes full of environmentally-friendly products because of extra funds from the Founders’ Day Ball. Biodegradable plates and silverware were also used at the event, said EcoSense President Jennifer Jones.
The SG is required to spend the money from the Founders’ Day Ball by the end of this school year so that current seniors can enjoy the results of their student activity fees, according to Veysey.
SG President Nate Bronstein estimates that of the $40,000 from the Founders’ Day Ball, $35,000 was spent on Spring Fling week. The SG spent approximately $17,000 on the Gala, including the disc jockey, food, desserts and the gift bags for all participants, according to Kim.
Bronstein said the idea for the Spring Gala came to him after the success of the Winter Gala. The SG was able to spend more money on the Spring Gala because they could use Founders’ Day funds instead of relying on sponsors.
Proceeds from other events such as whipped cream “pie-ing” were also donated to CERF. Students had the chance to throw a plate of whipped cream at class of 2010 Senator Steve Dalton and Veysey. Students paid $2 for one plate or $5 for 3 plates.
Kim estimates that approximately 50 pies were thrown.
“I think I’ve finally stopped smelling like whipped cream after about six showers,” Veysey said.
The CERF fund needs $100,000 to go into effect, according to Jones. Jones is unsure of how much of this money has already been raised.
CERF money can then be used to invest in environmentally friendly projects such as wind turbines, steam turbines or solar panels. The money the university saves by using these technologies is then put back into the fund. Jones estimated that this week’s events raised over $500 for CERF.
Other events during the week including free ice cream on Monday, laser tag on the quad on Tuesday and free Georgetown Cupcakes and Roebek’s in the Tavern on Wednesday. There was also a carnival on Friday afternoon that featured inflatables, a barbecue and games.
You can reach this staff writer at ascalamogna@theeagleonline.com.
