“Extreme” events to help raise money

The SUNY New Paltz Foundation and a committee of student leaders launches the 2005-2006 student giving campaign this week, titled “Extreme New Paltz.” This campaign will raise money for a peer scholarship to be awarded in May 2006.

“Extreme New Paltz” will include a series of fundraising activities by three extreme teams during the spring semester. There will be two student teams and one faculty and staff team, each with 15 extreme competitors. The teams will compete against each other in events such as a triathlon, field day, and an obstacle course.

In addition to competing during extreme events, the three teams will be competing to raise the most money toward a peer scholarship through sponsorship and other activities during the spring 2006 semester.

All SUNY New Paltz students can apply to be a member of an extreme team and all students can support the campaign by sponsoring an extreme team of their choice; either as an individual sponsor or as part of a student organization that chooses to organize fundraising efforts for a particular team.

“When students approached the Foundation about starting a student giving program we were impressed with their interest and enthusiasm in giving back to New Paltz,” said Lucia Mallardi ’96, Director of Annual Giving. “This program will raise student awareness about the important fundraising work that the Foundation does for our students and the campus at large. ”

The Extreme New Paltz Peer Scholarship will be awarded at the culminating event of the campaign in May 2006. At this event, the teams will complete their final extreme competition, the winning team for funds raised will be announced, and all sponsors will be recognized.

Students who are interested in participating on an extreme team can apply by contacting Liz Cavallaro ’06 in the Development Office (HAB 503-A) at (845) 257-3235, or at cavall10@newpaltz.edu. The deadline to sign up is Friday, December 2nd.

This campaign is being spearheaded by the SUNY New Paltz Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, with the help of several other student organizations and campus departments. Sitting on the Student Giving Campaign Planning Committee are representatives of the Foundation; the Wellness and Recreation Program; the Athletics, Recreation, and Intramurals Department; the American Marketing Association (AMA); the Residence Hall Student Association (RHSA); Student Activities and Union Services; and the Student Association (SA).