On Oct. 12, Cooper and Gilmmerglass Fitness Centers sponsored the Pumpkin Run, an event that invited students to run to raise funds for a good cause.
The course was across the Oswego State campus, starting outside of the Marano Campus Center, taking those involved on a circular tour by either walking or running.
Employees of Cooper and Glimmerglass Fitness Centers and volunteers from dorms helped create the event. The run had asked all participants to donate $5 to the charity Blessings In A Backpack. The goal of the charity, created by famous Disney star Hilary Duff, is to provide care packages to young children in the U.S. who are unable to afford meals over the weekend.
One of the workers hosting the event, Mackenzie Talbot, a junior in wellness management, had helped sign up those who arrived and collected donations.
“[It] helps put food in the bellies of those who less fortunate and may not always have regular meals,” Talbot said.
A large portion of that participants were members of the sorority Delta Phi Epsilon. One sorority sister, Madison Doner, a senior student in journalism, was happy to help work toward a good cause.
“For my sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon , we have to do a lot of community service, so this is one of our community service events that we are getting in for this semester,” Doner said.
Another sister, Sarah Henry, a senior majoring in public relations, said that she was glad the event gave her a chance to get together with her sisters and achieve some physical fitness.
“We all came out tonight to get some physical exercise,” Henry said.
The sorority had also fully funded those involved in the chapter to attend.
Many first-year students in Johnson Hall were called upon to fill their volunteer requirements. Tessa Woodhams, a first-year student majoring in childhood education, said she enjoyed her experience getting involved and the work it goes toward.
“I live in Johnson, so Linda LaFevre emailed, and I thought Blessings in a Backpack was a good cause,” Woodhams said.
The man behind the event, Brian Wallace, the manager of Cooper and Glimmerglass Fitness Centers, said the run has been a part of the Oswego State campus for nearly 12 years and goes toward a noteworthy cause.
“They’re trying to help these hungry elementary-age students, so we thought it was a good theme,” Wallace said. “Plus it’s very local; It’s here in Oswego.”
Outside of volunteers from Johnson Hall, those who work at the fitness centers had a hand in organizing the event. They were supported by the Johnson Hall first-year students, who provided directions to the runners to stop them from getting lost.
The event started at 4:30 p.m. on Friday and lasted until 6 p.m. Those who had provided funds to the Blessings in a Backpack charity were then entered into a raffle for a small prize.
