Beginning October 9 and ending Friday, October 14, at midnight, Grand Valley and SVSU will be raising money for local charities. Grand Valley's Laker football team meets the Saginaw Valley Cardinals on October 15 at Lubbers Stadium in Allendale.
"This year we're ready to win," said Jane James, a senior accounting student. James is the vice president of finance for Grand Valley's Student Senate, which is leading the event. Festivities include a pep rally -- dubbed the "Cardinal Roast" -- in the Irwin Lot adjacent to Lubbers Stadium from 5-7 p.m. on Friday night.
According to terms of the student-led battle, collections end on Friday at midnight. Donations may be dropped off at Student Senate offices in the Kirkhof Center, Alumni House, and other places on campus. Student Senate leaders can also collect money -- call (616) 331-2333 for more information. The winning school will receive a trophy designed by a Grand Valley student. That trophy is currently in Saginaw, and James said she hopes it can come home to Allendale this year.
This year, Grand Valley's efforts will support the Make A Wish Foundation. In 2003, Grand Valley prevailed while raising money for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. In 2004's defeat, the charity was Alternatives in Motion, which provides wheelchairs to those who can't afford them. Over the two years, Grand Valley has raised more than $15,000 .
