“Ain’t no party like an Ali Ryder party.”
This statement proved to be true on September 22, when NC’s Ali Ryder hosted a win-win celebration around the corner from the Welland Campus.
Ryder, who is the College’s Outreach and Education Coordinator, won the title of Edge Super Fan on Sept. 11, after entering 102.1 the Edge‘s 5k Fan Friday contest. More than bragging rights, the title came with a $5,000 cash prize, money that Ryder is already putting to good use.
During her on-air opportunity with the Edge, Ryder told listeners that if she was voted in as the winner, she would do three things: make a $1,000 donation to Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN), give some money to her sister to put towards her student loan, and take her colleagues from the Marketing and Student Recruitment department to M.T. Bellies in Welland.
Making good on her promise, Ryder in fact hosted colleagues, as well as friends and family, at M. T. Bellies for an evening party on the patio to thank them for supporting her contest journey. She also invited representatives from SMUN, to encourage her guests to make their own donations to the St. Catharines-based charity.
Staff from multiple areas of the College attended the celebration, including many of Ryder’s colleagues from the Marketing and Student Recruitment department
Between Ryder’s $1,000 pledge and the additional contributions made on her behalf, a total of $3,000 has been donated.
“We’re grateful to Ali for her generous donation and for creating an opportunity for others to support and learn about our organization,” said Laura Dumas, Executive Director, Start Me Up Niagara. “Initiatives like these go a long way in providing critical funds for our programs and services that help individuals in our community in life-changing ways.”
SMUN offers a variety of services to support individuals facing homelessness, unemployment, compromised mental health, substance use, poverty and those living with a disability. Visit the SMUN website to learn more.
Ali (left), with her partner Evelyn (right) and Kelly Wilcox, a faculty member from the ECE program.
Special t-shirts were made for the party and given to those who donated $25 or more.
“The Clark family and M.T. Bellies kindly made arrangements for the t-shirt design,” said Ryder, who grew up in Welland and has been visiting the local establishment for years. “They generously split the cost of producing the limited edition, commemorative t-shirts for donations to SMUN.”
Ryder and her family members also wore custom shirts for the occasion.
Ian Aikenhead, NC Director of Student Recruitment, attended the celebration to support Ryder.
“We are all lucky to have Ali as part of the NC community. Her current role in Marketing and Student Recruitment allows her to share her infectious, caring and supportive personality with so many in the Niagara community and beyond,” said Aikenhead. “Guiding youth and prospective students toward their dreams while always looking to give back is at the core of what makes Ali such a great person.”
Ryder, who was also part of the College’s Big Move Cancer Ride team this year, is grateful for the support that she received on the radio and for the opportunity to help make a difference in the community.
“My sincerest thanks to everyone who supported me on the radio, liked my video on TikTok, attended the celebration, and made a donation,” said Ryder. “Please keep the charitable vibes going and support the Niagara College’s United Way campaign this year, as these funds are vital to our community.”
Related articles:
Ryder wins Edge Super Fan title
Vote for NC’s own Alison Ryder until Sept. 8
NC’s Alison Ryder to appear on 102.1 the Edge August 25
