SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. -- Mount Holyoke College first-year tennis player Kate Vavra dived right into an active role this year on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, chairing its subcommittee for community service.
As a natural extension of their efforts this year, Vavra and the SAAC Community Service Subcommittee organized a fundraiser for local non-profit Craig's Doors to take place at the Mount Holyoke lacrosse game on Wednesday, April 12, in the middle of NCAA Division III Week.
From a highly competitive stuffed-animal toss, to funds raised for Craig's Doors, the event was a hit in every way.
"I am very proud of the SAAC community service subcommittee -- we put in tremendous effort, and I feel that we were very successful in the end," said Vavra. "We raised over $500 for Craig's Doors, and got over fifty stuffed animals to donate to the Springfield Police Department to be given to distressed children."
The Mount Holyoke College SAAC organized a D3 Week full of events on campus, from a mindfulness session with head swimming and diving coach Dave Allen to a movie night to the Friday night "SAAC Formal," and wrapping up with a Field Day on Sunday. The Community Service Subcommittee's fundraiser at the lacrosse game was certainly a highlight.
"We received so much support from students, staff, and parents," Vavra said. "People were happy to donate to a good cause and were excited to participate in our teddy bear toss. It was really fun to watch all the students compete with each other and become determined to throw their toy the furthest to win a stuffed animal of their choice. We were able to cheer on the lacrosse team while coming together to help the community, and I can't imagine any better outcome than what we had."
