While most students' class goals are to get a good grade and fulfill a graduation requirement, Sandi Combs and a team of students are using their event planning class to try and make a difference.
A COMS 405 Meeting and Conference Planning class taught by Gretchen Stephens has created its own event to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, teaming up with Broney's Alumni Grill's weekly karaoke night to try to reach their goal of raising $500.
The class teaches the basics of event planning and has students divide into groups to plan their own event to learn all the details that go into planning a successful event, said Combs, a junior studying public relations and one of the event planners.
We chose the Make-A-Wish Foundation because of its prominence in society
and it's a really good cause that so many families are touched by Combs said.
The event features a raffle with an assortment of prizes from many uptown vendors, including a $100 gift basket from Regis Salons, a Vera Bradley gift basket and a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card. Tickets will cost $1. There will also be a karaoke contest hosted by DJ A-Roc and prizes will go to those with the best renditions.
The class also worked with the bar to concoct a special Make-A-Wish Foundation cocktail to be served only at the event.
The purpose is to create awareness for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and recognize what they do to make kids' wishes come true, said Erin Haggerty, a senior studying organizational communication and one of the event planners.
One of my friends was born with a heart defect and was contacted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation Haggerty said. She was 11 years old when her wish came true to be in a movie
and she was an extra in The Parent Trap.
Although the event is only open for those 21 and older, there will be students outside of the bar collecting donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Money collected from the donations and the raffle tickets will go to the foundation.
We're just trying to get people out there with a short saying: 'To make a wish and to make a difference
' said Summer Sands, a senior studying organizational communication and one of the event planners.
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Culture
Courtney Hessenauer
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