PRSSA takes a STAND against cancer

By Sarah Vaccaro | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Photo by Matthew Boyle

The Flagler College Public Relations Student Society of America took their “STAND” against cancer in the Ringhaver Student Center on Friday Nov. 21.

From 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. PRSSA hosted “STAND,” a fundraiser event to benefit the Flagler Hospital Cancer Center.

“We sold over $500 worth in ticket sales,” PRSSA President Katelin Elliott said.

Many local companies donated in different ways. Panache, Gator Bowl, Alpha Fitness and Target gave gifts to support the raffle. The Sports Corner donated the red “Take a Stand” t-shirts that PRSSA sold and then donated the proceeds to Flagler Hospital.

Wendy’s, Domino’s, Great Wraps and Scarlett Ohara’s donated food to “STAND.”

Flagler College Television donated $200 and Hartford Electrical Company donated $400 to the cause and the Jacksonville Jaguars threw two tickets to their game against the Minnesota Vikings into the raffle.

“This couldn’t have gotten any better. There are a lot of kids who participated for a good cause,” Flagler student Katie Bass said.

“STAND,” rocked out with Rock Band and local musician and Flagler alumnus Brady Reich.

Students, faculty, alumni and community members also played in poker tournaments, of which the winners received raffle tickets.

Many students wore orange bracelets inscribed with the phrase, “What do you stand for?”

“There was good energy, everything was organized and in all it was a really cool event,” junior at Flagler Blair Bennett said.

“I’m tremendously proud. This was great a great way to get involved with the community. These kids worked really hard and understood the necessity for helping cancer victims. They were professional and very caring young people,” Flagler Public Relations Professor and PRSSA adviser Dr. Rosemary Tutt said.

“This event took a good two months to plan. We had to make sure we got all of the donations and each room was figured out,” PRSSA member Bailey Lathan said.

Flagler College and PRSSA host the “STAND against cancer” event annually.

Next year at “STAND”, PRSSA is aiming for more publicity, people and activities.

Flagler College and PRSSA will donate the funds raised to Linda Vartenis at Flagler Hospital.