wake 'n shake raises a record breaking $430,170.78 for brian piccolo cancer research fund
The Wake 'N Shake 2019 Dance Marathon raised a record-breaking $430,170 for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. The executive committee led by Seniors Kila Tripp, John Waskowicz, and Kaela Griswold hosted over 1,480 Wake Forest students, alumni, faculty, and staff at this year’s event. This annual 12-hour event challenges Wake Foresters to stay on their feet to raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer. Dancers participated in a variety of activities and they enjoyed entertainment by musicians, dance groups, and other student and community organizations. The eight Team Champions (cancer survivors) inspired dancers throughout the event by sharing their testimonies. The reflective “eleventh hour” included a student testimony, a group glow-stick ceremony, and the finale scoreboard countdown.
Since 2006, Wake n Shake has raised over $2 million for the Comprehensive Cancer Center. This funding supports innovative research and practice. This includes support for the clinical trial phase for a novel therapeutic that now has early data suggesting increases in survivorship by months and possibly years; the launch of a Hispanic Patient Navigator, which has proved instrumental in improving patient access to care and increasing clinical trial participation; and seed funding to increase understating of leading-edge regenerative medicine and the use of tumor organoids in research and personalized oncology. Passing another fundraising milestone is only possible with the generous support of the Wake Forest and surrounding community committed to finding a cure for this terrible set of diseases. This year, thirty corporate and community sponsors generously supported the event.
PI KAPPA ALPHA AND WAKE FOOTBALL 'PUMP UP FOR PICCOLO'
Each year, the Pro Humanitate Institute collaborates with the Wake Forest Football Team and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity to sponsor a team strength and agility competition to benefit the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. Brian Piccolo was a Wake Forest All-American football player (1960-64) who played professionally for the Chicago Bears before losing his life to cancer at the age of 26. On April 26, eleven teams comprised of two football players, two men, and two women competed against each other in a series of strength and agility events. Music and Demon Deacon Spirit filled the McCreary Field House and new weight room throughout the competition. This signature event brings the campus community together for the final Piccolo event of the year. This year’s event raised over $6,000 for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund.
THE BRIAN PICCOLO CANCER RESEARCH FUND
The Brian Piccolo Fund Drive, started in 1980, serves as a model of community engagement with the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer Center. In February, over forty student leaders from Hit the Bricks, Wake n Shake and Pump Up for Piccolo visited the Cancer Center for a private tour and dinner with physicians and the Center Director. This annual event allows student leaders to see the results of their efforts and build relationships with the physicians and the philanthropy team. Over the course of the year, student leaders consider the role of philanthropy in supporting community change. The Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund continues to seed innovative research and has made a significant impact within the Cancer Center and care across the entire region.
D.E.S.K. CELEBRATES 20TH YEAR, PROVIDES 42 NEW DESKS TO ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
On April 10, over 400 Wake Forest students, faculty, and staff came out to Poteat Field to participate in Discovering Education through Student Knowledge (D.E.S.K.). In its 20th year, D.E.S.K. pairs an Old Town Elementary student with a five-person Wake Forest team to design and paint a new desk. The goal: encourage positive reading habits by providing an exciting and colorful study space.
A legacy program with a long history of connection between Wake Forest and Old Town, D.E.S.K. allows students from both schools to engage in a community-building day. Forty-two Old Town students participated and received custom painted desks at this year’s event, which also featured popcorn, cotton candy, and a bouncy castle for a fun-filled afternoon.
This year’s student leaders transitioned towards smaller more mobile desks, which was met with positive feedback from students and families. Additionally, D.E.S.K. raised $1,000 to support educational initiatives at Old Town. The funds will support a year-end book drive to help prevent summer reading loss and also help to restock school supplies.
40 WAKE FOREST STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ALTERNATIVE BREAK TRIPS
For almost 20 years, Wake Forest students have participated in Wake Alternative Break (WAB) trips. Inspired by the national BreakAway program, the mission of WAB is to facilitate service in the community; connect participants to each other; encourage experiential learning around a social issue; and, inspire participants positively impact the campus, local, national, and international communities. All trips are student-led, providing students the opportunity to develop key leadership skills leading up to, during, and after the trip.
This year, 40 Wake Forest students participated in alternative breaks. Students completed disaster relief work in New Orleans, La., with the United States Recovery Project; mentored and tutored Latinx elementary and middle school students with Casa Central, the largest Hispanic social service agency in the Midwest, in Chicago, Ill.; worked alongside the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to help preserve the Shenandoah National Park in Shenandoah Valley, Va.; and learned and engaged in sustainable agriculture at Hurricane Run Farm in Otway, Ohio.
Students also had the opportunity to stay within the state and assist with disaster relief in Warsaw, N.C., from the devastation brought on by Hurricane Florence. The trip was the first of its kind, as it partnered with both the Pro-Humanitate Committee of the Alumni Council and the Alumni Engagement Office. It presented a unique opportunity for both students and alumni to work together in repairing and restoring a home for one of the 955 families displaced by Hurricane Florence.
phi, wake forest students hold first college advocacy summit
On Friday, March 22, the Pro Humanitate Institute hosted the inaugural College Advocacy Summit. Developed by Wake Forest senior and PHI Scholar Zach Bynum, the Summit provided a space for college students to share resources and strategies on how to organize and advocate for social justice issues. Over 50 students from Wake Forest University, Catawba College, and Guilford College were in attendance to learn more about social justice and advocacy through workshops and related events.
Zyahna Bryant, an award-winning student activist, community organizer, and author, who organized her first demonstration, a rally for Justice for Trayvon Martin at age 12, served as the keynote speaker. She inspired students in attendance to get involved in social justice movements and take action against racism, inequity, and other forms of oppression.
Students had the opportunity to attend several different workshops throughout the day, including Né Belle Idioma (My Beautiful Language); Toxic Masculinity Discussion and Healing; Bursting the College Bubble; Acting Strategically Against Racism at Wake Forest Through Leadership, Coordination, and Coalition; Rethinking Good Intentions When Doing Service and Advocacy; and, The Role of the Arts in Advocacy.
THE CAMPUS KITCHEN AT WAKE FOREST HOSTS REGIONAL POP-UP
On April 5 and 6, the Campus Kitchen at Wake Forest University hosted the first-ever Southeast Regional Conference as a part of the national Campus Kitchens Project. The event brought together college students and administrators from Campus Kitchens at the University of Georgia, Virginia Tech, East Carolina University, Fayetteville State University, and Georgia Southern University. In total, twenty-five participants gathered for discussion on best practices and community building across the network.
The program included a welcome address from Provost Kersh, a conversation about partnership with on-campus dining partners led by Jessica Wallace, brainstorming on asset-based community development, and volunteering to deliver food to two community sites. Additionally, a panel of Wake Forest Campus Kitchen Alumni presented on how they leveraged their experience leading the organization in their future careers. Panelists discussed the valuable experiences students gain as managers of large leadership teams, in logistical oversight moving thousands of pounds of food a year, and as responsible partners with their community.
Throughout the day, participants discussed the future of the Campus Kitchen program. Dialogue focused on finding ways to utilize food waste to support non-profits as assets within existing communities. At the end of the conference, the students committed to building a strong network committed to food justice work across the region.
BON APETIT! KIDS' COOKING COALITION CONCLUDES SECOND YEAR OF PROGRAMMING
The Kids’ Cooking Coalition (KCC), a community-based initiative designed to introduce healthy cooking and nutrition education to elementary-age children in Winston-Salem, just wrapped up its second year of programming. This spring the KCC, offered programs at three community sites: The Best Choice Center (YWCA), Cook Literacy Model School, and Polo Park Recreation Center.
Over the course of seven weeks, approximately 45 students across these three sites practiced basic cooking skills while learning about the importance of each of the major food groups. At the conclusion of the program, families were invited to recognize everything their children accomplished through KCC by coming together over a healthy, celebratory dinner. Participants of the program went home with resources outlining our key nutrition lessons, as well as with each recipe they created in class, so that they can be made time and time again at home!
The collaborative work of KCC would not have been possible without the generous support of many individuals and organizations. KCC has worked under the guidance of its founder Margaret Savoca, PhD, and the Campus Kitchen at Wake Forest. Additionally, KCC serves as a sponsored site in the Winston-Salem Community Action Coalition and has been supported this year by AmeriCorps*VISTA member Cameron Steitz. Programming was made possible by the Walmart Foundation’s Community Grant Program, Aramark and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, and the Rotary Club of Winston-Salem. At the heart of KCC are the 13 Wake Forest student volunteers who participated in three weeks of training in order to best equip children to make healthy food choices and develop cooking skills.
PHI CELEBRATES A YEAR OF COMMUNITY-ENGAGED WORK
Students, faculty, staff, and Winston-Salem community members gathered in Benson University Center on Tuesday, April 16, to celebrate a year of community-engaged work. The inaugural class of PHI Scholars, students who have made a serious commitment to both community and civic engagement throughout their time at Wake Forest, were celebrated as they showcased their capstone projects. In addition, the 2018-19 AmeriCorps*VISTA cohort and student project teams from DashCorps and the Social Justice Incubator showcased their work.
The Pro Humanitate Institute also issued its annual awards. Freshman Saritha Venkataram, Sophomore Michelle Lazaran, and Junior Gabe Sowards were all recognized as Service-Excellence winners for their respective class, modeling the mission of Pro Humanitate for their peers through daily acts and steadfast community engagement. David Ajamy was awarded the Christman Award, which recognizes the exemplary community-engagement career of a graduating senior. Seniors Ravdeep Mathone and Alec Jessar were awarded the Change Maker Award as co-presidents of Student Association for the Advancement of Refugees (SAFAR).
Dr. Rowie Kirby-Straker, an ACE Fellow in the Pro Humanitate Institute and Director of Public Speaking in the Department of Communications, was the recipient of the Faculty Service Excellence Award for her work with Wake Speaks, increasing opportunities for students and community members to develop their public speaking skills. The Mike Ford Servant Leadership Award was presented to Liz Orr, Program Director for Catholic Life, for her continued efforts to engage students in advocacy, activism, and reflective direct service in the community; while Shereen Abdelfattah, was named the Community Partner of the Year. Through her nonprofit, Delicious by Shereen, Abdelfattah empowers refugees in Winston-Salem by cooking Arab food and catering events in an effort to help create financial independence as they navigate life in the United States.
ALESSANDRA VON BURG RECEIVES ENGAGED FACULTY AWARD
The North Carolina Campus Compact presented Associate Professor of Communication and Chair of East Asian Languages & Culture, Alessandra Von Burg, with the 2019 Engaged Faculty Award on February 13 at UNC Greensboro during the Pathways to Achieving Civic Engagement Conference. The Compact is a network of 39 colleges and universities committed to civic and community engagement. The award recognizes an outstanding faculty member in the NC Campus Compact network who demonstrates excellence in community-based teaching, research and scholarship; leadership of campus-wide efforts; and development of strong partnerships with the community.
MORIAH GENDY RECEIVES FORSYTH COUNTY GOVERNOR'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
AmeriCorps*VISTA and Wake Forest alum (‘16) Moriah Gendy was awarded the 2019 Forsyth County Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for National Service on April 17 at Bridger Field House. Gendy, an Americorps*VISTA Leader for the Winston-Salem Community Action Coalition, guides a team of eight VISTAs through their year of service in the Winston-Salem community. The Forsyth County Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, issued annually, recognizes and honors volunteers who have made significant contributions to Forsyth County through volunteer service. Gendy is the inaugural recipient in the national service category.
SHUGOLL RECEIVES SOAR AWARD FOR ADVISOR ACHIEVEMENT
Each year, the Office of Student Engagement gathers to celebrate the accomplishments of student leaders, advisors, clubs and organizations. This year, PHI’s Assistant Director of Philanthropy and Service, Brad Shugoll, was the recipient of the 2019 SOAR Award for Advisor Achievement.
A group of students led the nomination, detailing Shugoll’s excellent work and dedication to their organizations, explaining that, “several things about Brad distinguish him as a great advisor: his ability to push his mentees to think deeper and reflect on their views, his ability to build community within the organizations that he advises, and his modeling of ethical servant leadership...He consistently pushes our organizations to be better and to set high expectations for ourselves and our members. We have all benefited from Brad investing in us as individuals.”
Shugoll leads The Campus Kitchen at Wake Forest and several of the University’s student-based philanthropic events, including Wake N’Shake and Hit The Bricks (part of the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund), as well as community-based events like Project Pumpkin and D.E.S.K.. Additionally, he advises the WFU Volunteer Service Corps, dedicated to furthering the University’s motto of ‘Pro Humanitate’ by engaging students, faculty, and staff in meaningful volunteer service, and Omicron Delta Kappa - the National Leadership Honor Society.
americorps*vista helps secure grant funding for senior services
Senior Services is a local non-profit that helps older adults remain at home for as long as possible, and to help them live with dignity, especially for those who cannot afford to pay for services. Additionally, the organization assists those who care for senior adults by helping caregivers through services and education.
Laura Garland ('18), a first year AmeriCorps* VISTA member with the Winston-Salem Community Action Coalition, works alongside Senior Services with a focus on development for the agency. An instrumental member of the team, she helps manage the robust grants calendar that frequently features competing deadlines. By articulating the mission and needs of the agency through compelling narratives and data, Garland has secured new grants for the organization. In total she has successfully secured $151,000 in grant funding for Senior Services.
Casie Hammons, Director of Philanthropy for Senior Services, explained, "As a self-proclaimed introvert, Laura has really spread her wings this year. We continue to see her thrive in any environment – some that would be considered intimidating to others. She has gone from learning behind the scenes to presenting to large groups and managing, leading and orienting the brand new volunteer process."
Through her work with Senior Services, Garland has truly embraced the AmeriCorps* VISTA experience by developing a great skill set while pursuing her professional goals, and assisting the greater Winston-Salem community.
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Credits:
Wake Forest University