Welsh Family Hall hosted an evening of food and fun with their Block Party on Wednesday night for students looking to escape studying and benefit a charitable cause.
"The pie eating contest was my favorite part. Everyone was yelling football cheers and chanting 'Suck it, pie!'" Lyons Hall freshman Megan Malley said.
Giant inflatable games attracted students from afar, and the sounds of "Living on a Prayer," "Sweet Caroline" and "Dancing in the Street" blasted across South Quad. The event featured games, contests and delicious food donated from local vendors.
"I need a goldfish!" sophomore John Aversa said.
He was one of many students excited about the goldfish game, a basic hand-eye coordination challenge in exchange for a dorm room pet.
"He will be named Dominic," said freshman Sam Lee of his fish. "I just hope that he lives through freshman year."
Event coordinator Nicole O'Connor described the Block Party as incredibly successful.
"We had a really great turnout from students as well as faculty and their families, and the community atmosphere was awesome," she said.
O'Connor also emphasized her gratitude to the Welsh Family volunteers.
"Over 75 girls contributed to this event in some way," she said. "So many people got involved with everything from selling shirts in LaFortune to advertising in the dining halls to working shifts at the actual event."
Wednesday night's fun will contribute to a greater cause as the proceeds from the Block Party go to the Touching Tiny Lives Foundation, an organization that seeks to help children impacted by HIV/AIDS in Africa. O'Connor estimated a donation of over $1,000 from the Block Party resulting from the dorm's fundraising efforts, which include a raffle for an iPod Shuffle, T-shirt sales and carnival games.
"The Touching Tiny Lives Foundation is the signature charity for our dorm, and this event really helps us support their work," Welsh Family president junior Vickey McBride said.
"The cotton candy was definitely the main attraction for me," Junior Greg Torrisi said. "I was psyched about it."
The cake walk, a new feature of this year's event, provided a musical chairs showcase for a baked goods shop opening in Welsh Family on Monday, Sept. 14. The shop will provide treats on Monday through Wednesday as well as Sundays.
"I am incredibly happy with all of the great work from Welsh Fam girls and the student turnout at this year's Block Party," O'Connor said. "I am so grateful. The event definitely brought good times to all, both creating fun activities for students and benefiting a worthy cause."
