The Residence Hall Association collected almost 1,000 articles of clothing at the fourth Annual Martin Luther King Volleyball Tournament and clothing drive Thursday at the Smith Center.
“(The event) combines the spirit of competition and serving our community,” said event chair Noel Frame, RHA vice president of community service.
About 175 people cheered the 20 teams in the tournament. Participants were required to donate a minimum of one article of clothing per person to play in the tournament.
The clothes will be donated to Miriam’s Closet, a relief organization for the homeless at the Western Presbyterian Church.
“Playing in the tournament was a bonding moment for us,” said Shannon Farley, Colonial Cabinet member team captain. “Events like this promote group unity and get a lot of organizations out together for community service.”
Several campus organizations, sports teams, fraternities and sororities participated in the event.
“I am always encouraged when I see multifaceted and diverse students coming out for a great cause,” said Jonathan Peccia, Riverside Towers Hall president.
“It is always nice to see people having fun for a good cause,” said RHA President-elect Alan Elias. “These philanthropy events are the best.”
Prizes were awarded to the volleyball tournament winner and the team with the most contributions of clothing.
The Wally Crew team won the volleyball tournament, and the Bhoombastics won the clothing donation prize with 141 articles of clothing.
The RHA also has sponsored other service events, including the “Suitcase Party” in November and Martha’s Marathon. The RHA’s final service project, a yard sale, is scheduled for early May.
RHA members Wendy Schultz, Adam Waldbaum, Peter Bastone, Iris Trautman, Dave Kersh and Shoshana Isaac also helped organize the event.
Although the tournament is traditionally scheduled for January to commemorate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., or in February to commemorate African-American history month, the event was postponed because of staff changes in the RHA executive board.
