While only an annual occurrence, the resident assistants (RAs) from Frazer Residence Hall decided to make this year's campus-wide event bigger and more beneficial. On Saturday, Feb. 4, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., RAs from Frazer organized a rave in the Lankford Student Union Ballroom. The event featured music from WMLU Remotes DJs, mocktails and pamphlets on the negative effects of alcohol from Peer Health Educators. Other offerings included donations to Farmville Area Community Emergency Services (FACES) and Relay for Life.
Matthew Coats, residence education coordinator of Frazer, said the idea for a rave had been brought up in the fall semester of 2011. Rather than simply focus on holding an event for fun's sake, Coats stated that he wanted to focus on making the event a little more unique.
Coats said, "We wanted to have an educational aspect to it as well. We took the rave theme, something kind of social to get a chance to go out and do something safe on campus. So, then we twisted that around."
Coats mentioned the presence of Peer Health Educators, who offered informational pamphlets and alternatives to alcoholic drinks. He also referred to the philanthropic addition to the evening where event guests were given the opportunity to donate non-perishable goods to FACES. Raffle tickets were also sold for $1 each for goods, such as gift cards to Farmville businesses, a Relay for Life T-shirt and a Tervis Tumblr. All proceeds from raffle tickets were donated to Relay for Life.
"We took it for a spin, played off with the rave theme and what do you rave about? Community service or alcohol safety," said Coats, later stating, "I know WMLU has done raves in the past, but we wanted to have an educational twist."
The Frazer Rave also offered free Relay for Life cups, survivor registration sheets and further information on where and how to sign up.
Further offered at the event were supplies such as crayons, markers and colored paper, allowing guests to create and design cards for Valentine's Day or for American soldiers.
Reflecting on the creation of the event, Rigby Bendele, a Frazer RA who assisted in the planning of the program, said, "We wanted to do something that was really fun, but also was appropriate for the weather. So, we kind of got the idea to do a dance type thing, but we didn't want your traditional Valentine's type dance. And a rave just seemed like a good fit."
Each year, residence education coordinators and resident assistants offer campus-wide events to the student population of Longwood University to provide safe, fun and alcohol free activities. In the previous year, those in Frazer organized a Sadie Hawkin's Dance.
Treasurer of Peer Health Educators Zach Highland commented on the organization's involvement with the event, saying, "We were asked to come here by Frazer to provide an alternative drink solution just to educate on alcohol in general." Free virgin drinks were offered, included margarita and Shirley Temples. "It's just safe ways to keep your drink and keep a healthy habit of drinking."
Highland commented that Peer Health Educators offer programs when requested, not only focusing on alcohol, but also safe sex, wellness and nutrition, exercise and so on.
Kellen Dunn, sophomore, said that he attends raves on a regular basis, especially enjoying the music at such events. He added that he often attends campus events, saying that it's beneficial in that " you get closer with your community."
Contemplating the goals of the event, Coats said, "I think any money going to Relay for Life is a success … I think the greatest things that we have had happen is the donations from the business in the town of Farmville." Donations included gift cards to Bojangles, Macado's and Penelope.
If interested in participating in Relay for Life, go online to www.relayforlife.org/longwood for more information.
