On Friday night, ASUU celebrated the 10th birthday of student philanthropy “Rock the U” at the Rice Eccles Towers. Students danced the night away to raise money for cancer research. According to the Rock the U page on the ASUU website, “It is our mission to empower and unite students from the University of Utah, alumni and the community in our endeavor to defeat cancer by providing financial support to the Children’s Miracle Network and Huntsman Cancer Foundation.” Rock the U is one of the biggest events hosted by ASUU, and they have raised over $400,000 in the course of the past 10 years for cancer research.
Although things started off rather slowly, the Eccles Tower was full near midnight, and students had a great time moving and shaking. Participants were encouraged to join in the “10 hour challenge,” where they would pledge $100 to dance all day and night. Those who participated were first to receive a massage and food. Those who actually finished the challenge will have a chance to meet this year’s Grand Kerfuffle headlining artists.
Comedian and magician Justin Willman, formerly the host of Food Network’s hit show “Cupcake Wars,” made an appearance during the night to encourage students to keep dancing. Special guests such as cancer survivors and patients and doctors from the Huntsman Cancer Institute also appeared throughout the evening, thanking the participants for their support. However, it seemed that students were more interested in the other activities than the dancing itself. From massages to henna tattoos, and from a photo booth to knitting hats for cancer patients, there was something for everyone. Little Caesar’s Pizza, chips, salsa and guacamole from Squatters, fruit from Trader Joe’s, birthday cake and Munchkins from Dunkin’ Donuts and assorted drinks were all included for free. The halls in the tower were packed with people waiting in line for the activities.
ASUU kept students dancing for the full 10 hours with different themes at the top of every hour. Things really started to kick off at 10 p.m. when “Shout” played and not one student was anywhere but the dance floor. Three DJs — DJ Jarvicious, DJ Bangarang and DJ DW Fisk — helped keep the night fresh with various remixes. It’s amazing they didn’t run out of material considering they rarely continued beyond most songs’ second verse before jumping into a new one. Dancers created many jam circles throughout the night, allowing individuals to show off their amazing break-dancing skills.
Ten years in, Rock the U continues to be one of the school’s most successful philanthropy events and it shows no sign of slowing down. If you did not get a chance to participate, then mark your calendars for next year’s event.