As the butter on the outside of a whole wheat sandwich sizzles in a panini press, bright, yellow American cheese slowly drips down the bread’s sides. Before long, a grilled cheese sandwich is ready.
New Towson club FeelGood wants two things: to raise money for nonprofit organizations and for teeth to sink into crispy, smooth and hot grilled cheese sandwiches.
FeelGood is a national organization that was founded in 2005 at the University of Texas in Austin. The group raised $10,000 by selling grilled cheese sandwiches on campus -- within just their first year. Since then, FeelGood has grown to over 25 chapters spread throughout America and has collectively raised $1.82 million for the non-profits they partner with.
At Towson, these (literally) potentially life-saving grilled cheeses only cost about $3 each.
Sophomore Hallie Beck, founder and president of Towson’s FeelGood chapter, discovered the organization from an advertisement online and was immediately impressed by its concept. Last semester, she began working with Towson’s coordinator of student organizations to start a chapter at Towson, and it officially launched this semester.
The group has had one pop-up event on campus so far -- where they raised money by selling grilled cheese sandwiches for the nonprofits Hunger Project and Water for People. These nonprofits send food and water to poverty-stricken countries and teach the people there sustainable farming, business and education skills to help them advance in society.
“I believe people should join FeelGood because it is an easy, acceptable way to make a whole world impact,” Beck said. “It is hard to find the time to community service off-campus, but since we’re are on-campus it’s much easier to get involved. And we’re fun people with grilled cheese.”
FeelGood is still trying to work out a fundraising schedule. They were told that they have to limit the number of grilled cheese fundraisers due to conflicting guidelines. Even though most FeelGood chapters run strictly off grilled cheese fundraising, Towson’s chapter is going to host other fundraisers once a week in the Union, at Cook Library and around other outside areas.
“I’m big into service organizations and this club connects to my aspect, but I really just want to help others,” sophomore and FeelGood member Victoria Bazuzi said. “And I like grilled cheese.”
Paint nights, cheese-themed bake sales, dinners and more are on FeelGood’s agenda, as well as a few grilled cheese delis for fundraising.
“I thought it was a cool that you can make a grilled cheese and impact a whole community,” said Mike Davie, treasurer of Towson’s FeelGood chapter. “It is a unique take on fundraising.”
Three big events by FeelGood are coming up, including National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12, an Earth dinner April 19, and Towson University’s Relay for Life April 21.
The Earth dinner will partner with Towson’s Urban Farm Club, and will include a potluck and a panel discussion about FeelGood and environmental issues. Donations for FeelGood will be accepted.
Relay for Life will be a collaboration of Towson student organizations that come together to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Each organization will have a special event people can participate in to help raise money for their club or just to have fun. FeelGood will be hosting a paint night at the relay.
To get involved with FeelGood, students can email Hallie Beck at feelgoodtu@gmail.com
Credits:
Photos by Sarah Van Wie