Every year groups on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus brainstorm creative ways to raise money to support local, national and sometimes even international individuals and organizations.
Most times the resulting events include a variety of "college-food," such as pizza, pop, chili, nachos and other easy-to-make and easier-to-eat-lots-of dishes. Sports tournaments and raffles tend to be popular philanthropic activities, as well.
Some groups and organizations, however, step outside of these noble, albeit boring, bounds and come up with unique, often startling, ways to raise money.
The East Campus Bull Fry raises money for a Lincoln family each year by preparing a delectable meal of soda, desserts, chips, hamburgers and cow testicles.
These tasty treats, along with the annual car show that accompanies the Bull Fry and a multitude of other fun activities, like resident assistant and resident director dunking and inflatable games, brings in many students and Lincolnites.
East Campus puts on the event - specifically the Burr/Fedde Senate and Love Hall, with Burr Hall usually leading the troops.
"The main thing that makes Bull Fry unique is the menu. Rocky Mountain Oysters - that's the name - are pretty unique. It's also unique because it's a huge East Campus event. It's a really big deal," Brian Peterson, sophomore animal science major, said.
"This year we're raising money for a 27-year-old wife and mother of two. She (has) multiple sclerosis and has had to re-learn how to walk and is going through rehabilitation."
All proceeds from the event will be donated to her family.
This year's Bull Fry will take place April 21 from 11-2 on the East Campus Mall with the car show beforehand. Country music station Froggy 98 will be there with live music.
Eating balls has never been so altruistic!
If Fear Factor-type eating seems like too much, there's always sumo wrestling.
Delta Tau Delta puts on an annual M*A*S*H philanthropy where jousting, sumo wrestling and camouflage wearing is only the beginning.
"(M*A*S*H) is an event to benefit members of our military and their families," Geoff Biehle, senior construction manager and Delta Tau Delta fraternity member, said. "We host an all you can be barbeque. We usually get live music and have inflatable games."
Every year their games change. In the past they have had American Gladiator-like jousting, an obstacle course and boxing. This year's event will have boxing and sumo-wrestling games.
For music, the fraternity usually "blasts music you've heard from different war-themed movies and shows, like 'M*A*S*H' and 'Jarhead.'"
The fraternity members, in an effort to get excited and spread the news about the event, decorate their house with a military-theme and don camouflage and other military gear for the big day.
This year's M*A*S*H event will be April 19 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, and they encourage students to come and have a good time, while helping support U.S. military men and women and their families.
Delta Gamma sorority also puts on a unique philanthropy every year in the fall.
Anchor Splash happens every fall and is one of only a few national philanthropies. Most Delta Gamma chapters across the country put on this philanthropy, said Renee Lobeda, sophomore nursing major and director of Anchor Splash.
Anchor Splash, Lobeda described, raises money through water games and swimming competitions. The money is generally donated to National Aid to the Blind, but occasionally it will be donated to a Lincoln family or individual in need.
"One year we helped one little boy. If we ever hear of anyone who directly needs it here in Lincoln, that's usually who we help."
The event usually takes place at the Mabel Lee pool on campus or at a local high school. Synchronized swimming and pool games are just a few of the events at Anchor Splash.
Campus philanthropies come in many shapes and forms and offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking for spaghetti or swim meets, there's sure to be something of interest on campus for you to participate in while donating money to charity.
