On Wednesday, Nov. 12, University of Tampa’s Sodexo Dining Services will be collecting cans of food for a non-charitable organization called Cans Across America.
The event will be held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Vaughn Center Courtyard.
UT is taking part in the promotion along with more than 500 universities and colleges sponsored by Sodexo USA in combination with the Sodexo Foundation and the Stop Hunger Initiative. Some hospitals and senior centers are also taking part in this great cause.
The local goal is to collect over 2,000 pounds of food that will be donated to America’s Second Harvest of Tampa Bay.
The national goal is to collect a minimum of 400,000 pounds of food, which would smash the Guinness world record for the biggest food drive by a non-charitable organization. All this is to be done in a 24-hour period.
All students are urged to participate. Cans Across America is a fantastic way to make an impact in communities locally and all across America.
Not only are students encouraged to take part in this cause but faculty, staff and the general community are as well.
“It is my sincerest hope that the UT and local community realize the importance of this event and make an effort to participate, contribute and help change lives for the better,” said Burghardt.
Many people are in greater need now more than ever due to the current state of the economic situation, and this is a great way to give back and reach out.
“Our goal is to create an event that not only benefits hundreds in the local community but also builds awareness and comradery,” said Burghardt.
“Considering the current economic turmoil, I feel that it is very important for those who can to pause for a moment and help those in need,” he continued.
The event is sure to be a blast, starting at 8 a.m. with a challenge to the student body called “Can Do Builders Challenge.”
Teams of students are expected to collect cans and build sculptures in the Vaughn Center Courtyard that will be judged at 3 p.m.
A $300 catering gift certificate goes to the winning team.
The PEACE organization will be displaying a piece that consists of reflective Popsicle sticks, visually representing the percentage of the world living in poverty.
PEACE will also be giving out information on hunger and homelessness.
UT Student JJ Paolino, who is a singer and songwriter, will entertain the crowd from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
“I think people should support this event because there’s a really cool concept behind it, and it’s something that college kids can get into because it’s not asking for a lot of money or whole meals, it’s asking for cans, which we all can afford to donate and will go a long way with those who are in need,” says Paolino.
He plays acoustic guitar and has a CD of ten songs professionally recorded with his band from his home state of Rhode Island.
His CD will be on sale for $5 at the event.
Paolino will be performing a mix of his own original songs and cover songs by other artists.
Having opened for Yellowcard last semester, he is eager to perform on campus again.
Adding to the fun will be a huge inflatable obstacle course that Student Productions is providing from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cans Across America will also be collecting cans for donation in the Café and in the Stadium Center.
“Certainly, the best part of the whole event is loading up the pounds and pounds of graciously donated food into the truck knowing that, perhaps, we have saved a life today,” states Burghardt.
Interested in participating in the “Can Do Builders Challenge?” Email sodexomarketing@ut.edu, now!
UT Students: We CAN Do It!
Published: Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Updated: Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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