The Big Event goes virtual
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that is sweeping the nation, the staff of The Big Event is inviting CSC students to volunteer virtually this Saturday with a random act of kindness and post it to social media using the hashtag #BigEventCSC2020 rather than going out to volunteer in the community.
Kelsey Brummel, graduate assistant for The Big Event, said that even with the uncertainly the pandemic brings, there was never a time that the staff considered canceling the event completely.
During spring break the staff individually brainstormed ways they could continue to volunteer even if they were unable to go out into the community and after sitting down with campus administration, decided that going virtual was the best idea.
“Even before anything was official, we kind of knew it was best for our volunteers and our community to try and find a way to adapt it,” Brummels said.
With the event going virtual, there are plenty of unique ways students can volunteer and give back to their communities Brummels said. She suggests that students think creatively and try to volunteer by doing something they’re passionate about.
“While not a typical year for The Big Event, there are still so many opportunities to say thank you and give back,” Shaunda French-Collins, faculty advisor to The Big Event said.
Emily Hansen, 21, of Hemingford, a staff member of The Big Event, advised students who might be interested in volunteering but are unsure of what to do to keep it simple.
“No matter what they do, they are still making an impact,” Hansen said. “Have fun with it and abide by all guidelines in place. I’m excited to see what everybody does.”
Brummels hopes that even though the event is going to be virtual, people can still gather online and create a sense of community through the volunteer work that they are sharing.
“I cannot emphasize enough how proud I am of The Big Event staff,” French-Collins said. “Since the fall, these individuals have worked tirelessly on making April 18th a success.”
Both Brummels and Hansen have high hopes that the event is going to be a success and emphasized how important volunteering on Saturday is.
“It’s like a glimpse of hope in today’s uncertainty,” Brummels said.