Stevenson University’s Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) will host its second annual Lift-A-Thon from March 6-9 in the weight room of Mustang Stadium from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. An additional time will be included on March 8, from 6-9 p.m.
The Lift-A-Thon will raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. According to the Mid-Atlantic Make-A-Wish Foundation, the organization raises money to give children with life-threatening medical conditions, as well as their families, something to look forward to when they need it most.
The event costs $5 to participate in and a $20 donation to receive a T-shirt, but all participants can donate any additional amount if they choose to do so. Participants are encouraged to fundraise money as well. SAAC suggests to approach coaches, professors, and family members for donations. The event is open to the entire student body, faculty, staff, and alumni of Stevenson.
According to Michael Query, Stevenson’s strength and conditioning coach, the event is a modified power lifting competition. Participants will bench press for their first lift, and then can choose between the deadlift or squat for their second. Query said each participant will try to lift as much weight as they can for a single rep in the two lifts he or she chooses.
Laurel Martin, SAAC advisor and Stevenson’s head field hockey coach, said the goal of the event is to help as much as possible and to create a fun environment for people to give. Both Martin and Query are hopeful that many people will want to participate and give back to the community, but they also want the participants to enjoy doing so.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation helps children like Mikey, a one year-old from Columbia, Md., battling brain cancer whose wish is to go to Great Wolf Lodge. There are thousands of other children like Mikey whom the Make-A-Wish Foundation helps. By fundraising money, the Make-A-Wish Foundation is able to grant the wishes of those children who are suffering.
Martin said the organizing committee is anticipating a much larger crowd than last year because they decided to not only include student-athletes, but also the faculty and staff as well as alumni. Query said they are hoping to draw anywhere from 50 to 100 people to the event this year.
Last year, the Lift-A-Thon raised over $600, which Martin said was incredible. This year they are hoping to at least double that amount, according to Query and Martin. Query said they would ultimately like to raise $1500.
To donate to or participate in the event, click here.
