CSC’s first Mini Big Event called success

Members of The Big Event staff volunteered at five jobsites around Chadron as a part of the first-ever Mini Big Event, Thursday. 

The nine student staff members worked at three residences and two Chadron businesses for three hours, said Shaunda French-Collins, associate
professor of communication and The Big Event adviser, and Kelsey Brummels, graduate assistant for The Big Event.

“It’s a way to kick off The Big Event,” French-Collins said. “I’m so glad that we were able to put it
together this year.”

The Big Event, a student-led community service day, has been a staple Chadron State College since 2013. Now planning for their seventh Big Event, the event continues to grow, both in terms of volunteers and jobsites. 

The idea for a smaller Big Event for just the staff came about after French-Collins and Brummels
joined other schools to discus The Big Event at the One Big Thanks Conference, Oct. 19-21 at Stephen F. Austin University, Nacogdoches, Texas. 

After the conference, French-Collins said she and Brummels decided to host miniature Big Event this fall. 

The Mini Big Event allowed staff members to help at jobsites, something staff doesn’t typically get to do for the main event, as they have other jobs to complete the day of. 

“Now you guys can personally give a testimonial of what (volunteering) felt like to you and what it meant to you,” French-Collins said to staff. 

Organizing for the Mini Big Event started when the pair returned from Texas, allowing about a month to select the jobsites, pick a date to hold the event and iron out times for work on each location.

Originally, the event was planned for Saturday, Nov. 17. But, with cold weather forecasted, Brummels and French-Collins decided to reschedule for Thursday afternoon, scheduling staff and jobsites around times that did not conflict with students’ classes.

All five of the jobsites selected for the Mini Big Event have participated in The Big Event in previous springs. 

One of the jobsites for the Mini Big Event was the residence of Betty Reading, 88, of Chadron. 

Reading, who will have hip surgery this February, said there is work she “just cannot do,” which is where the help from The Big Event comes in.

The staff at her jobsite landscaped and helped prepare her lawn for more work this spring.

“I really appreciate that kind of help,” she said. “I think anybody that uses The (Big) Event kids is really appreciative.”

Getting out into the community and building relationships between Chadron residents and CSC college students continues to be a common theme between the two events.

“It’s why we do what we do,” Brummels said.

Sharaya Toof, 21, junior of Alliance, said working on The Big Event staff, compared to volunteering like she did last spring, has helped her see what a difference The Big Event makes on the Chadron community. 

“I like the fact that I’m more hands on with it all and I can see the complete impact of what we are doing,” she said.

This spring’s Big Event is set for April 13, 2019.