BY CAROLINE BUNNELL
On Sunday April 23, students from Dr. Lauren Hindman’s Sports Event Management Class put on a 5k race, as well as a one-mile fun run in support of the nearby Stonehill community partner, the House of Possibilities.
“It’s a good opportunity for students to participate because their contributions will go to a great cause, they will be surrounded by their peers, and they will get to spend time outside for this event,” Cara Surrette, member of the Event Operations Department for the class said.
Despite rainy conditions for the event, there was around $2,500 raised for the House of Possibilities.
The idea for the event came about through Dr. Hindman’s past experience at other institutions in running similar events.
She told the class that it is great experience to help plan, and organize a large community event such as the 5k, to help aid in future career endeavors, Surrette said.
The class was divided into five different departments that include event operations, finance and registration, marketing, and sponsorship.
To help prepare for the event, Dr. Hindman brought in industry professionals who have experience in planning events within the sports world.
“Learning from other people’s experience who are professionals in the field and taking their advice has been very beneficial to the planning process,” Surrette said.
There are two different races that people could participate in. One is the 5k which goes around the Stonehill Athletic Fields, and ends back at the track. For the fun run, it is a mile around the track, which is four laps.
“The track is easily accessible for everyone, which is what we want to emphasize since the proceeds are going to the House of Possibilities, who work for inclusion and accessibility for all,” Surrette said.
Students, and general public could register for the event, up until race day. The cost of registration for the 5k for general admission was $30, and $25 for students. For the Fun Run ‘N Roll it was $15 to register.
There were over 100 people registered for the event, but the weather conditions may have deterred more people from participating, Abby Reed, member of the finance and registration committee said.
The class decided on the House of Possibilities to be the recipient of the donations because of their close relationship with Stonehill, and the students desire to become involved with them.
“At one of our staff meetings we had to brainstorm places we would want to proceeds to go to, and everyone liked the idea of the House of Possibilities because so many people know about it, but most of the class hadn’t done something with it in the past,” Surrette said.
At the event, there were many activities such as lawn games, and raffles for people to enter to win. Prizes include, gift cards, sports tickets, and signed Bruins memorabilia.
“I am extremely happy with how the event went, and I'm glad the class could work together to raise more money than we could have anticipated for such a great cause," Reed said.
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