Elon University, community partners host Great Alamance Car Giveaway

During the fall 2016 semester, the Student United Way of Elon University and the “Facility and Venue Management” class partnered with the United Way of Alamance County and volunteered at the Great Alamance Car Giveaway held on campus Dec. 6.

Led by Assistant Professor Cara McFadden, the Department of Sport and Event Management course teaches students to plan and manage successful facilities, examining operations, policy, customer service and budgeting. Through intentional planning, the SEM class creates an experience where students learn about the impact of sport facilities and community events, gaining a better understanding of the significance collaborative partners afford when hosting a successful event.

The Student United Way of Elon University is a newly formed student organization that works closely with the United Way of Alamance County. The student organization’s mission is to grow leaders and create a connection with local community by giving, educating and volunteering for local causes.

The Student United Way and the SEM class volunteered together leading up to and during the giveaway’s Dec. 6 festivities, held at halftime of an Elon men’s basketball game. Prior to the event, students studied the local community and created informational videos about Alamance County. The SEM class received a grant from Elon’s Center for Service Learning to assist in the preparation of the event in collaboration with the Student United Way.

​During the halftime presentation, Elizabeth Kukielka ’18, Student United Way president, and Heidi Norwick, United Way of Alamance County executive director, shared the responsibility of presenting the car. The SEM class along with Student United Way members lined the court in “Live United” shirts to show Elon pride as well as support the local United Way chapter.

With assistance from local auto dealers, the United Way has been giving away cars for a decade to individuals who donate funds to the nonprofit organization. This was the first year the group gave a second vehicle away to a person who has given back to the community and may be in need.

​A special thanks to the following groups for making the car giveaway possible: United Way of Alamance County staff, United Way board members, Student United Way members and the “Facility and Venue Management” class.