Students learn how donors’ charitable giving affects their education over dessert
On Oct. 25, the Student Philanthropy Council at Azusa Pacific hosted the fourth annual Dessert Rally for students. The goal of the event was to inform students about how donors directly affect them and their education.
This event occurred at the same time as Dinner Rally, the largest student scholarship fundraiser of the year.
“What we’re trying to do at Dessert Rally is promote to the students how much of their education is covered through charitable giving,” said Ruth Garcia, a member of the Student Philanthropy Council. “We believe that people want to give to APU because they love what APU is doing.”
The Dessert Rally offered many opportunities for socializing. Students primarily mingled with their peers and the Philanthropy Council members. There was a photo booth and a Kahoot game with prizes for the winners. The questions in the game were focused on how APU uses money in the University Fund and its impact on students.
Mariana Vanden-Heuvel, senior communications major, said she had a good time at the Dessert Rally.
“I’m here on scholarship, and so just to know that people are donating so that I’m able to go to the school of my dreams is a really great thing to know and experience,” Vanden-Heuvel said.
The Student Philanthropy Council is a group of students that works to educate the student body about the impact of giving. The council mainly focused on the significance of the University Fund during Dessert Rally, since that is where students receive their scholarships.
The University Fund supports multiple areas on campus other than student scholarships, lisuch aske faculty recruiting/retention and student life activities. These include Residence Life, Action teams and Commuter Life.
“All those programs do need support, and those are covered by donations to the university,” said Garcia.
About 90 percent of undergraduate students at APU receive some form of financial aid. In the 2017-2018 school year, APU raised $9.25 million.
The event attracted many students, including Josh Dobos, an interdisciplinary studies major.
“This is my first time coming to Dessert Rally and the whole event was really fun,” Dobos said. “So, next year, next time you see Dessert Rally, come on through.”
The Dessert Rally is traditionally held in the Cougar Dome, which led to less attendance from students since it was more closed off and separated. Since the Dome also caters to APU’s commuter population, there was also a misunderstanding in previous years that the event was only for commuters, according to Garcia. To promote a larger attendance, this year’s event was held in the Wynn Amphitheater instead.
Garcia said she noticed a spike in attendance this year, since holding the event outside allowed for any student walking by to drop in and the music playing over the loudspeakers helped to bring them in.
The Student Philanthropy Council has more events lined up for the spring semester, including TAG Week and Cougar Cash.