The ASUU Community Service Board took advantage of the sunny weather Saturday as it raised funds for Shriners Hospital through a carnival held at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
The event “Shine for Shriners” attracted more than 150 people who came to have fun while supporting youth health care causes.
Although there were traditional carnival elements, participants had a variety of more eclectic activities to choose from, as well. Kids were able to receive autographs from U football players, take Zumba lessons and listen to a featured band. Several Zumba instructors, like Jill Matteson, volunteered their time for the event.
“I have a child that is being treated by Shriners, so I thought I’d volunteer,” Matteson said. “It’s a great event, and I was happy to help.”
This was the first time this fund-raising event has occurred, and Majoris Regus, director of the board, was excited by how the inaugural event turned out.
“The weather has been great, and the event drew 150-200 people,” Regus said. “We were considering what philanthropies would be the best use of our resources earlier in the year, and decided we should do a carnival for Shriners.”
Donations ranged from $8-$10 per person, and all proceeds went to Shriners International, which runs 22 non-profit hospitals in North America. Shriners serves only children under the age of 18. Access to their specialized care is not determined by ability to pay for services but on the child’s medical needs.
One of Shriners’ 22 hospitals is located near the U, just a mile north of Presidents Circle. This hospital alone performs more than 10,000 outpatient procedures and admits more than 1,000 children for inpatient procedures per year.