Twenty-nine students in NC’s Event Management program are hard at work organizing a series of fundraisers to support Pathstone Mental Health, our community partner and 2019 recipient of this year’s Many Hands program.
The annual project sees students in the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport support a local community non-profit organization with fundraising, marketing and public awareness of the agency. With no budget, students build all aspects of their campaign, from venue selection, sponsorship and fundraising to social media, marketing and execution. Each year, students keep the events fresh, adding twists and finding new ways to engage the community.
“Our students have planned some excellent events and I’m proud of their efforts and creativity,” said Vivian Kinnaird, Dean of Business, Hospitality and Environment. “The Many Hands program gives students in the Event Management program the opportunity to apply their learning and help prepare them for their careers, all while making significant contributions to the non-profit community in Niagara.”
Four events will take place in March and April and all are welcome to attend. Proceeds from the fundraisers will go directly towards Pathstone Mental Health’s Art Therapy program.
The first event is Designer Handbag Bingo, a classic game with a stylish twist where designer bags are up for grabs on March 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre in Thorold. This event is now sold out with 250 guests expected.
Next is Rise and Shine Yoga, a wellness-packed morning starting with a yoga class followed by a breakfast buffet, mimosas and smoothies, silent auction and more on March 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Meridian Community Centre in Pelham.
Turntable Trivia is the third event in the series on March 29 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Canadian Polish Society in St. Catharines. Join in for a retro-themed trivia night with music from the 70s, 80s and 90s, raffle prizes, food and drinks.
The final event, Taps, Apps & Laughs on April 4 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Beechwood Golf and Social House, a comedy show featuring David Green and supporting acts. Enjoy an appetizer, local beer and be entered to win a raffle prize.
“We are truly grateful that the staff and students from the Event Management program felt a strong connection to Pathstone Mental Health. Research has shown us that art therapy is an effective way to treat anxiety, stress, depression and other mental and emotional issues. Funds raised through the Many Hands project will enhance our program, allowing our clients to promote self-expression, feelings, and emotions in a purposeful and creative way,” said Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy and PR at Pathstone Mental Health.
With the support of their lead sponsor Canadian Tire Bank contributing $1,250 to each of the four event teams, they hope to raise $5,000 at each event in support of Pathstone Mental Health.
“Being able to plan and execute an event in support of the Many Hands Project was the biggest draw for me when deciding to return to school for the Event Management post-graduate program,” said student Leah Letford, who graduated from NC’s Business Administration Marketing program in 2003. “I was excited that the program supported local charities and not-for-profits while providing a learning opportunity for students. Having an opportunity to learn a concept and then apply it to the Many Hands Project means I have hands-on, current industry experience when I graduate.”
NC has been committed to the Many Hands project since its launch in 1998, and has made a lasting impact on the Niagara region over the past two decades thanks to the creative efforts of NC students and faculty and community support for local non-profits.
For more information about the Many Hands project, visit niagaracollege.ca/manyhands
For tickets and event details, visit: manyhandsevents.wixsite.com/mhpevents/2019-events
