Over $5,500 Raised Through SGA-led ‘Run With Color’

Photo by Steve Fallon

The Student Government Association’s Run With Color on Sunday was met with gorgeous, sunny, 65-degree weather. The run was not a timed event, but rather a color-filled day to raise money for the Annual Fund of the Ramapo College Foundation. Over $5,500 were raised.

Walking or running, everyone enjoyed Ramapo’s beautiful campus while getting hit with colored cornstarch at every station. The course circled the campus approximately two times, starting at the Archway at 3 p.m.

“We wanted to build on the success of last year's run and thought it made sense to integrate the mission of the Ramapo Foundation into this event," said student governor Joey Weikl. "We needed to approve the color powder that was thrown as runners passed certain locations around the course. The powder is comprised of food grade and biodegradable cornstarch and FDA-approved dyes. We also wanted to reward runners for their donations, so participants received T-shirts and sunglasses to be used in the run.”

The run was a 5K to raise $5,000. All proceeds benefited the Annual Fund of the Ramapo College Foundation.

“I wanted to raise awareness among Ramapo undergraduates about philanthropy and the effect that private giving has on their experience at Ramapo. The Annual Fund provides unrestricted revenue for the College that is used to support scholarships for students, funding for research projects and other capital needs. Contributions to the Annual Fund help to bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and funding the College receives from the state,” said Weikl. “We decided to fundraise for the Annual Fund in particular because we want to promote a culture of giving back to deserving students, faculty and the Ramapo community as a whole.”

Some students participated with the goal of giving back in mind.

“I participated because I like supporting the Ramapo community and I care about the College and its future. Philanthropy is important,” said junior Elizabeth Masters.

The Run With Color was also a part of Greek Week. The purpose of Greek Week is to unite and support the fraternities and sororities through events. Running in the event and volunteering for it counted as points for Greek Week, so even though it was not a race, there was still a competitive edge to it for the Greeks that participated.

“It took a lot of effort to have the Color Run approved and planned, but it was worth every bit of effort, knowing we had a great day and gave so much back to Ramapo,” said sophomore SGA member Meg Patel. “SGA is currently working on getting library hours extended, planning the Bowling for Soup end-of-year concert and simply thinking of new initiatives to take on to improve our community.”

All runners received a complimentary pair of white sunglasses, as well as a white T-shirt with the Roadrunner logo on it reading, “Ramapo Color Run presented by SGA.” A DJ from WRPR was playing pop music throughout the event, and waiting at the finish line were sandwiches provided by the Rockland Bakery.

“It's a fun and messy event that attracted 171 students and alumni, and their friends and families, for two notable reasons: to have fun and to support the Annual Fund,” said Weikl. “It was a great event because I believe students are more educated about the Annual Fund and the role of the Ramapo Foundation. It is my hope that this event will perpetuate a higher participation rate among young alumni, which will lead to a lifetime of giving to Ramapo College.”

llaskows@ramapo.edu