Guy talk
What is that you say? Guy Talk on a Tuesday? Believe it. Stoprubbing you eyes, it’s April 20, and I’m back. As mytime here winds down, my ugly mug is going to get splashed all overthis paper. Hey, I have a lot to say, and I’m running out oftime to say it.
Every now and then I like to put on my serious pants and go fora stroll. When I was presented with the opportunity to host acharitable event last Friday, I jumped at the opportunity toprovide the comic relief and the energy to keep the crowd inmotion.
In my mind, nothing feels better than giving back. Well maybe aback rub followed by a warm bath and clean shave, but that is it.For the participants in the past weekend’s Relay For Lifeevent, giving back was about the only thing to do.
The fundraiser pits students from different organizationswalking around The Boulevard for roughly 13 straight hours. Theteams can rotate walkers but must always have a representativemoving. The idea is the fight against cancer can never sleep. Sologically neither can walkers, unless they can sleep walk. Get it?Walkers, sleepwalking, walkers. Get it? Wow.
For the average participant, the event stretched from roughlyseven at night to seven in the morning. It was probably the worsttime frame ever, but so satisfying at the same time. For the eventorganizers on the executive board, the event was a culmination ofhours upon hours of hard work.
When I initially accepted the invitation to host the event, Iwas excited but at the same time a little cautious. I was worriedabout the motivation of our beloved student body. Would studentswho could just write a check to show support actually turn out forthe evening and stick through to the end? The answer was anoverwhelming yes.
I was completely in shock with the overall turnout and even moreso with the number of students who stayed throughout. I evennoticed two students walking The Boulevard for the majority of theevent. It all amazed me. Many of the participants walked forconsecutive hours, only taking breaks to grab a bite to eat. Thepositive response made it easy for me to dawn a dress.
Yes, you read right, I wore a dress. Not what you think. Ididn’t wear it because I like dresses or because I’mcooler then everybody. I wore it to get attention, to drawattention. There was an event at 11 p.m. where male representativessquared off in a little game of dress up. I wore the dress to showthe participants it really wasn’t that bad. Fifteen otherguys responded to my challenge and put on a show.
I have to say I gained a newfound respect for the students oncampus throughout the night. This university has so much potentialto be a leader in major student fundraisers across the country. Themix between the student leaders, greek organizations and wealthyalumni can create a brilliant opportunity to generate a profitableevent.
The stellar turnout was a great sign of things to come for thefirst-time event. It reminded me of other large events on campusthat are just sitting on tons of potential. The Pike Powder Pufftournament was a success again this year and raised well over theamount set out by the tournament chairs. Once again the footballtournament found a way unite the student body and raise money foran important cause in leukemia research. It only has room togrow.
Phi Delt’s casino night is another campus event thatgenerates a ton of cash. The guys continue to put on a top-notchevent that uses just the right mix of a good time and a fundraiser.The night’s events continue to be one of the strongestfundraisers around campus each year.
Each of these events can be the start to what should become apopular trend. Get the campus involved.
Around 5 a.m. I ran around The Boulevard with a bullhorn playinga siren. Arguably one of the most annoying sounds I have everheard. It was like a cross between a broken cop siren and loudscream — and the damn thing was loud.
My goal wasn’t to make friends, I wanted participation,and I wanted a reaction. I called out to all of the participants torise and finish the event on a strong note. Sleep at that momentwas overrated. I guarantee you that a few people would have takenthe horn and lodged it in my poop-shoot if given the opportunity.One young lad from Shuttles shared a few choice words with what hefelt was my injustice. My lack of sleep and complete deliriumalmost forced me to respond by knocking his teeth through the backof his head. Luckily, I gained my composure and actedgenerously.
To anyone feeling snubbed by my actions, I reply, if you canhonestly say in your heart and your mind that your precious hoursof sleep that evening can compete with the fight against cancer,then I apologize. How dare I rob you of those few hours of beautyrest. On the other hand, if you understand that the 13 hours youmight have sacrificed that evening is nothing in comparison to thesacrifice cancer patients make on daily basis, you are now a betterperson.
I have been a part of numerous events around campus over thecourse of my tenure here. Each one has its ups and downs. I canpromise you that nothing — and I mean nothing — willever take the place of putting a smile on someone’s face.Life is way too enjoyable to get worked up and lose focus of thethings that really matter.
I encourage the powers-to-be across this campus to find away tobring the student body closer every day. This university hasfortunes inside and outside of the pocketbook that can open upopportunities for countless people in need. Somebody just has to bewilling to make the move.
For questions, comments or concerns please e-mail Guy [email protected].
