A support the troops event titled "Salute Your Troops: A November to Remember" will be held Monday Nov. 13 in the Student Union flag room, timed to observe Veterans' Day.
The profits from the event will be used for putting together 107 care packages that will be sent to four platoons of the Marine Corps communication company currently stationed in Iraq. The packages will include such items that are in short supply such as deodorant, socks, razors and magazines.
The event is organized by the students in Mary Beth Debus' COM 317 course as a part of her annual program Class Project, Inc. Admission is $4 presale, and $5 at the door, and is open to anyone interested in having a good time and showing support for the men and women serving at home and abroad. Kicking off at 6 p.m., the festivities will wind down about 10 p.m.
DJ "Jickster" from 97 Rock will be emceeing for the benefit, as well as hosting games. Winners will receive prizes donated from local businesses. There will also be free pizza, drinks and desserts. A Chinese auction will be an additional fundraiser.
"Care packages go a long way to help the troops," said Jamie Oppedisano, a senior communication major.
"I was overwhelmed with happiness when the class voted anonymously for my group project," he said. The event hits home for Oppedisano, a Marine who served in Iraq in 2003.
Debus has been using the Class Project, Inc. for years at UB as well as Ohio State University. Other classes have organized a 5K run, fundraisers for Toys for Tots and a middle school dance for inner city kids, among others.
"It's basically a mock work experience to help students get a sense of what it's like in the business world," Debus said.
To put the "Salute Your Troops" event in motion, Debus broke the necessary tasks into separate departments. Student had to turn in resumes and cover letters to interview for their desired job in the project.
The finance and research department were responsible establishing the cost of each care package and handling the budget. The creative department created a logo, and in collaboration with the public relations and marketing department, fashioned the tickets, flyers and banner for advertising the event.
"Everybody shares and getting this stuff will definitely boost morale which is paramount," said Sgt. Christopher Nappa of West Seneca, who is involved in the project. He is a Marine currently on inactive reserve after serving in Iraq in 2001 and 2002 with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.
"This event being held in the name of my buddies is pretty cool too," Nappa said. "Not many people support these men and whether you support the politics or not you should support the people serving. I am going and I know at least fifty people who will buy tickets even if they are too busy to go just to help support these guys."
