Battle of the Valleys a success despite losses

November 12, 2007 —

The SVSU community proved once again that despite loss, we could still win. Battle of the Valleys didn't turn out how we all hoped, but we didn't lose. We won for the Saginaw City Rescue Mission.

Even though we lost last year's battle, I noticed students busily planning this year's events, eager for success.

The "Potty Postings" made me giggle as I read all of the events that were going to be occurring during the week including "Cardinal Idol," the bon fire, silent auction, the date auction and the new cardboard city event. (I even noticed the letters "GVSU" in the toilet!)

As I left my history class Halloween night, I quickly made my way across the Courtyard to get out of the cold and rain. I watched all of the organizations busily constructing cardboard homes and even what appeared to be castles out of cardboard. They didn't even seem to be bothered by the unpleasant weather. I'm very impressed by everyone who participated, especially the winners of the event, Nu Lamda Nu, who braved the rain and cold to stay out all night in a cardboard box.

The date auction blew my mind. I had expected college students to pay $20 tops for a date. Especially when most complain that dinner in the RFoC is too expensive. When I arrived in the Multipurpose Room to find out that someone had just paid over $150 for a date, I was shocked-in a good way. The $2,002 that the date auction raised is incredible. It was great to see the room so packed with students, staff and faculty to support such an event and by the looks of it, everyone enjoyed themselves. So we know from that students are willing to spend a little money to help others out.

The bon fire on Friday night held by Delta Sigma Pi was a huge success and better attended than any bon fire in the past. Athletic Director Mike Watson spoke to the crowd, and even though he's new on campus this year, I am impressed at the positive influence he has had on our students' attitudes.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend the football game, but from talking to friends and staff members, the attendance of students was great. And a lot of them actually stayed past half time. Yeah, we lost the game, but the football team played hard and did their best.

Despite the loss of both the football game and the fundraising event, students packed Saginaw Bay Ice Arena Saturday night to attend the hockey game against who else but Grand Valley.

As a reporter, I sat down and pulled out my notebook to start taking stats of the game and noticed that I couldn't see a thing. The stands were completely full and people were standing and lined up along the glass.

At first I was a little upset at all the people in the way, but I thought to myself, "Wow what great fans we have here in Saginaw. How lucky to have so many." Once again, the SVSU students in their red shirts and painted faces showed their red pride. And thanks to the hockey team for a great win.

Looking back on The Battle of the Valleys week, I noticed a lot of combined effort from so many students and staff to make the events a success.

Notice I said a success.

The week turned out to be nothing less of a success for the amount of money that was raised. No, we didn't win the football game or the trophy, but as a community we raised $14,111.60 more than when Battle of the Valleys began in 2003. The SVSU community should be proud of the teamwork that they have done to support those in need.

What I'm really impressed with is the ambition students here have to help others out. They took time out of their own schedules not just during this week, but for many weeks prior to plan for this. That's a lot of work and commitment.

So thanks to SA and everyone for planning out such a great week.