SGA scores big with marathon

By Benjamin Circelli
Collegian Staff
April 5, 2006

In association with the La Salle University community, the Student Government Association (SGA) held its 15th Annual Basketball Marathon on Friday, March 24. The event raised a record donation for the American Cancer Society. While final figures are still being calculated, SGA expects the donation total to exceed $11,500. That figure is double the amount of last year’s earnings.

The marathon began at 3 p.m. on Friday and lasted until 3 p.m. on Saturday, making for 24 hours of “basketball madness.” The event was open to everyone who was interested, not only La Salle students and faculty. Groups that wanted to play in the basketball tournament paid $100 to reserve a timeslot.

The evening also included free food and drinks, T-shirt giveaways and live entertainment. A raffle gave attendees the opportunity to win prizes such as a video iPod, a Best Buy gift certificate and a free parking permit. All proceeds from the raffle were calculated in the donation.

While playing basketball was the evening’s main attraction, other activities were held such as pre-set obstacle courses and a “battle of the bands.” People who chose not to participate in any of the main activities enjoyed themselves just by “hanging out” in the gym. To maximize donation efforts, SGA members walked around with jugs to accept open donations.

One special feature was the “dedication board” that SGA members created for the marathon. With a $25 donation, the name of a loved one was placed on the board, and the marathon served as a dedication in their remembrance.

SGA Vice-President of Public Affairs Joseph Miles said that he was pleased with the large turnout.

“It was encouraging to see our hard work come to fruition,” he said. “We planned the marathon with the intention of raising a significantly larger amount of money than last year, so we felt proud to meet the goal.”

SGA members, notably the Marathon Chair and SGA Senator Jordan Feld, expressed their gratitude to the community for both its generosity and support of the event.

“I, personally, would like to thank the La Salle community for coming out and making this marathon the most successful one ever,” Feld said.

circellib1@lasalle.edu