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| More than 600 people sign up for The Big Event |
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| Written by Caroline Basile, The Shorthorn staff | ||||
| Tuesday, 07 April 2009 10:07 PM | ||||
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More than 600 volunteers will work together this Saturday to meet a common goal: helping people. The Big Event will take place throughout the university, Arlington and parts of Fort Worth. The annual volunteer event, organized by UTA Volunteers, will include working on various on- and off-campus projects. Registration is open to everyone and will remain so until the morning of the event. “It’s good for the community,” said Brandon Henslee, The Big Event director and UTA Volunteers member. “It’s a good way for people to get to know each other and help out the community.” Henslee said university volunteers will join other local organizations, including Mission Arlington, Boys and Girls Club of Arlington, Arlington Parks and Recreation Department and Arlington Independent School District. University organizations represented at the event include UTA Ambassadors, Student Alumni Association, National Association For The Advancement of Colored People UTA Chapter and Freshmen Leaders on Campus. Henslee said those interested in volunteering can sign up in person with Bonnie Rodriguez, Student Activities support specialist, at the University Center lower lever. Henslee said 640 people have signed up so far, surpassing last year’s 560, and there is no limit on the number of volunteers needed. “You can sign up the morning of the event, and we’ll find a place for you,” he said. The Web site lists the projects available and how many volunteers are needed for each group. Projects include beautification on campus and in the community and an Easter egg hunt at Mission Arlington. Student Activities Director P.K. Kelly said The Big Event started as volunteers working at one site, expanded to a multiple-site project six years ago and has grown each year since. “It’s a way for the university to give back to the community that has supported it for so many years,” Kelly said. The Salvation Army will provide breakfast for volunteers 6:45-7:45 a.m. and a gratitude lunch for the volunteers noon-2 p.m., following the projects. The Arlington community and the university benefits from “rubbing elbows” together, said Frank Lamas, Student Affairs vice president. “The spirit of helping people catches on,” he said. “We all do our part, and when we do something together, things can get better.” Views: 958 | E-mail
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 23 June 2009 02:02 PM ) | ||||
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