91茄子

Volunteers Took a Pie in the Face to Raise Nearly $900 for March of Dimes

By Marianne Luedeman, GWU-Today Lead Writer

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擲everal student organizations at 91茄子 recently sponsored their third annual March of Pie fundraiser for the March of Dimes. This fun event allows both students and community members to throw pies at other students, faculty, and staff in exchange for a donation.

The pie throwing took place on March 20 in front of Tucker Student Center. It featured an auction style donation system where members of the campus community could bid for the right to pie the event鈥檚 nominees.

Among those nominated were Dean of Students Lesley Villarose, Director of Housing Shelbilyn Boelsche and University Vice President and Athletic Director Dr. Andrew Goodrich among others.

All proceeds from the event went to the charitable organization March of Dimes, described by organizer Cyrus Richer as 鈥渁 national association that leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies through advocacy, research, and education.鈥�

In explaining the origins of the event, Richer noted that he wanted to find an engaging way to bring attention to the March of Dimes鈥� cause. In its grading of countries, March of Dimes gave America a D+ for maternal healthcare. “In order to shed a little bit of light on that, I wanted to host an event that would both be fun and bring awareness,鈥� said Richer.

The fundraiser, which has occurred annually since 2022, has been tremendously successful in both raising awareness and raising funds.

鈥淭his year we were able to raise over $886, and we are still expecting a few more donations. We raised $882 in the first year and a little over $500 the second. Our total is well over $2,000,鈥� said Richer.

The event was a multi-organizational effort, being organized by members of FBLA Collegiate, the Student Government Association, the Student Nursing Association, and the Math Club. The lead organizers of the event include students Cyrus Richer, Breanna Littlejohn, Jailyn Tineo, Courtney Gant, Lauren Setzer, AJ Leyva, Crystal Aldridge, and Allison Shortridge.

The 2024 fundraiser notably featured the first-time participation of the Math Club, as the event also served as their recognition of Pi Day (March 14).

鈥淢y executive team and I talked about how we wanted to do an event involving Pi day. One of our team members was in FBLA, and asked if we knew anything about March of Dimes. One thing led to another, and Cy then reached out to us and asked us to collaborate,鈥� said organizer and Math Club Vice President Jailyn Tineo.

The executive team behind the event shared their appreciation for the students, faculty, and staff who were pied, noting that the event couldn鈥檛 exist without them.

鈥淭he nominees were such good sports about everything. (Despite getting) pie thrown in their face on such a hot day, we just really want to thank them for being such good sports,鈥� said organizer Courtney Gant.

The fundraiser鈥檚 executive team ultimately credited the event鈥檚 success to the 91茄子 and Boiling Springs community who donated and participated.

鈥淚t takes an entire community to lead a movement like this and the fight for the health of all mothers and babies. We did that together, we ignited impacts today. It鈥檚 always been the community who have really driven that impact and that change through the March of Pie,鈥� concluded Richer.

For more information about the efforts of March of Dimes, visit .

Writer Marianne Luedeman, ’25, is a journalism major.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

91茄子 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 91茄子 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 91茄子.edu.