Issue date: 3/1/02 Section: Campus Life

Media Credit: Brian Alford/Photo Editor

Planning is already in the works for one of the oldest traditions at Hendrix College, Campus Kitty. For 53 years, Campus Kitty has been a week of campus wide events, with the objective of raising funds for local and state charities. Initially started as a way of organizing all student-led charity drives into one week, the success of Campus Kitty has grown exponentially from the days when a Martin Hall corridor was ecstatic about its eight-dollar donation.

This year's committee, chaired by senior Eddie Cobb, has been working since fall term with the aim of making this year the best ever. Last year, the committee set a goal for the week of $8520, and raised almost $10,000. This year's goal has been set at $12,500, and with the addition of several new elements, there is great optimism that this can be met.

While all the favorite events from past Campus Kitty weeks remain, including the Martin Man and VZ Ladies Sale, the Raney Topless Carwash, the Hardin 24-hour Marathon, Red Lite Revue and the Couch Carnival, a few additions and changes have been made. Hopefully, these changes will have the effect of not only raising more money but involving a greater percentage of the Hendrix community in the week's festivities.

For instance, this year's off-campus cookout has been moved to Saturday afternoon in order to attract greater participation, and a bowling night, set for Sunday, March 31, has been arranged which will pit residence areas in a competition for a pizza party following Campus Kitty week. The sponsors of this event, RHC and Residence Life, will tally the number of pins knocked down by each dorm. Scorecards will only be counted if they are accompanied by a donation to Campus Kitty.

Another addition to this year's Campus Kitty lineup is the inclusion of a faculty auction, to take place in conjunction with the Martin Man/VZ Ladies Sale. Hendrix professors will be offering their talents to the highest bidder, and services will range from guitar lessons to dinners to mountain biking excursions.Senior Davy Clement is coordinating the biggest event of the week: Miss Hendrix. This year's performance will have a cabaret atmosphere, and a chorus of twenty dancers will help set the mood with its retro-cancan moves. The show promises to delight all who attend.

Another major change this year is in the way that the money raised will be donated. In an attempt to make the committee, as well as the recipients of the funds, more accountable, most donations will be project-based.

For example, instead of giving the Battered Women's Shelter $1000, we will be buying them a needed security system. This system should allow for a greater impact in the local community by matching the money raised to the most needy groups and projects. Thus far, many local charities have submitted requests for Campus Kitty donations, but the committee is continuing to look for needy charities in Conway and throughout Arkansas. If you have any information concerning needy charities, please contact any of the Campus Kitty committee members

Finally, for the first time ever, parents will be able to purchase a weeklong pass to all of the events as well as a Campus Kitty T-shirt for their children. A mailer has been sent outlining the events of Campus Kitty week as well as the purpose of Campus Kitty. By purchasing a Campus Kitty weeklong ticket, the holder will be entitled to free entry to many of the events throughout the week, including bowling, the progressive dinner, Miss Hendrix, and many others.

The cost is $25, much less than the door price for all Campus Kitty events, and a T-shirt is included. Purchasing this ticket is a great way to leave a little extra money in your pocket in order to bid on a Martin Man or play at the Couch carnival. So, encourage your parents to respond to the care package mailer before spring break, and be sure to tell them you love them as well.

Again, the Campus Kitty committee is still looking for participants in many of its activities. Any club that would like to participate in the Couch Carnival should contact Amanda Baugh, '04, the Couch Hall representative. The new houses will be looking for volunteer cooks for the progressive dinner, so keep your eyes peeled for fliers. Shelby Osborne, '04, is organizing this year's homeless vigil, and as always, participants will be needed to live as though homeless for one night during the week. Hardin will also be looking for participants for its 24-hour Marathon. Contact Marcus Ealy, '05, if you are interested in participating.

Of course, there are many more ways to get involved, and every little bit will help in supporting local charities in need. For further information, please contact Eddie Cobb at 336-5300,Allison Sutton at 336-5406, or any other Campus Kitty representative.

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