Over 100 people from around campus and the community attended this year’s 24th annual SEFA walk-a-thon, raising over $628 for the United Way of greater Oswego County on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Registration for the 5k began at 11 a.m. The walk around campus started at 12 p.m. in front of Lanigan Hall. A $5 registration donation was accepted for the walk and the first 150 participants to register for the 5k received a free walk-a-thon T-shirt.

With the help of the Office of Residence Life and Housing, posters were hung in the residence halls around campus advertising the event. Residents were also able to get community service hours for participating in the walk.

“I really enjoyed the walk-a-thon,” said freshman Alexus Grady. “It was my first time attending the walk-a-thon and I know I will be back next year to support the good cause.”

Vega, Oswego State’s women’s junior and senior honor society, helps coordinate the event every year. This fundraiser is Vega’s first big event for the semester.

“It sets the tone for the rest of the semester,” said Samantha Kaye, a senior Vega member.

The United Way of greater Oswego is responsible for community enrichment and community outreach. The money that was donated during the event goes to many organizations and agencies such as various food pantries, services for children, elders, families and those with disabilities throughout the community.

Many people were involved in organizing the walk, including Laura Brown, the Vega advisor.
“She is super critical in planning the walk,” Kaye said. “We could never do it without her.”

The Vega executive board works from August until October to find sponsors, design and order T-shirts and make sure that every aspect of the event will run smoothly.

“The local businesses of Oswego are amazing and are one of the most important parts of our event,” Kaye said. “They generously donate a lot, including our door prizes, and they support our T-shirts by becoming sponsors.”

WNYO, local radio and television stations, University Police, local newspapers and Residence Life and Housing are among the many organizations that helped promote the event around the campus and the community.

“Many of our sponsors, such as Ontario Orchards and Valti’s Graphics, have been with us from the very beginning, which is so very gratifying,” Brown said.

The five officers of Vega, the Public Relations Student Association (PRSSA), the eight members of the SEFA/United Way Campaign Committee and the United Way leaders from the Oswego County office in Fulton started planning the annual walk-a-thon when the students returned to campus in August.

“The officers of Vega worked very well with the officers of PRSSA to make terrific posters, press releases and social media posts to advertise this event,” Brown said. “I want to thank each and every one of them for their efforts.”

Brown was pleased with the turn out and stressed the importance of their cause.

“The money is going to such a good cause,” Kaye said. “It brings the campus and community together for a common goal and we always love helping better our community.”