Cards' Party held in Courtyard

September 11, 2006 —

Free food, t-shirts, music, and cash dominated SVSU's Courtyard Thursday from 2-5 p.m. as the Cards' Party introduced students to campus organizations and local businesses.

The cash machine was the main attraction at the party this year. Students stepped into the machine, stood up straight, and tried to grab as much money as possible in 10 seconds. The event, sponsored by TCF Bank, gave away $3,000 in free cash.

Freshman Patricia Delaney, who was ultimately able to grab $28 by tactically stuffing money down her shirt, said the cash machine was one of the first things to grab her attention.

Delaney was not the only one to head to the cash machine. Many students waited up to an hour in line for 10 seconds inside the machine. Everyone had the same response to the long wait: "It's worth it."

Some students avoided the long wait by competing against each other in dancing. As a DJ provided his music services, those who received the most cheers for their dance moves were bumped to the front of the cash machine line.

Juniors Andrea Jones and Desiree Slaterline-Bassi agreed that this party was "the best year yet." They saved each other's places in the cash machine line while the other ran around the Courtyard grabbing free t-shirts. President Gilbertson approved the festivities, as well. He believed that holding the event outside and in the center of campus increased its awareness.

"Nobody can say they don't know what's going on anymore," he said. "You'd have to consciously avoid something like this."

Each business and club had their own table to promote and recruit students. Tables had an abundance of information, and many also had giveaways. Some businesses gave facials, massages, and flowers out as well.

Dave and Dario from the Nextel table used the event as an opportunity to promote their business and raffled off a free cell phone.

"The demographic of 18-25 year olds are some of our biggest spenders," Dario said.

The two added that getting a phone plan was a great way for students to build credit and possibly begin to break away from their parents and start their own life.