For Immediate Release
Contact: Kim Schmelz, Foundation Director
Phone: 608.822.2379
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: April 5, 2019
Southwest Tech students raise funds to support their peers
Fennimore -Fennimore- The Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Foundation partnered with students in the Psychology of Human Relations courses and the Graphic Innovations Group to host two fundraisers to promote student philanthropy on campus March 15-26. In the Psychology of Human Relations course, led by Sheila Marten, students complete a service-learning project. The purpose of this project is to help students incorporate course goals while engaging in some type of civic engagement activity.
The “Cram the Cupboard” event was a competition between programs and student organizations to see who could donate the most needed items to fill the Charger Cupboard, the college’s on-campus food pantry. Involvement ranged from programs to individual classes and it was one accounting class that brought in the most food to be donated.
“This is just amazing,” said Sue Crouch, library coordinator and manager of the Charger Cupboard. “To see students supporting other students in this way is so wonderful!”
The “Batter Up, Fuel Up” tailgate party fundraiser was hosted on March 25-26 with all proceeds going to support the Fuel a Charger Program, which provides students in need gas cards for commuting to and from school, work and internships. The tailgate was a great success, raising more than $850 to support the Fuel a Charger Program. When Marten was asked why she felt students got involved she responded, “What better way to give back than by helping fellow students who might not otherwise make it to campus because they could not afford gas to put in their vehicle?”
Austin Schroeder, a student in the Graphic and Web Design Program helped with all of the marketing efforts for the two campaigns. “As a student at Southwest Tech, it was an exciting opportunity to help contribute towards the ‘Cram the Cupboard’ and ‘Fuel a Charger’ programs. Being able to interact with different clubs and organizations on campus, as well as talking with potential external contributors like Blue Boy Bakery, was a great opportunity to put our education to use in real world experiences. I was able to help design and print advertisements, posters and banners to really make this student philanthropy project a success. I would happily do this again if given the opportunity, and I hope others will do the same.”
“We’re so appreciative of the student effort put into these two events,” said Kim Schmelz, director of external relations and alumni development at Southwest Tech. “Once students learn how much food is needed to keep the Charger Cupboard stocked and how many gas cards are given to students in need they want to be a part of the solution. Their energy was contagious!”
For more information on how to support the Charger Cupboard, Fuel a Charger Program or other support funds and scholarships, contact the Southwest Tech Foundation at 608.822.2379.
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