As the lunch bell rang on March 13 last year, students rushed out into the Quad, eagerly shoving each other aside to be the first ones to get their hands on an In-N-Out burger or a Chipotle burrito. This was the scene at last year’s Club Rush, an annual closed-campus event that allows clubs, commissions and class officers to fundraise by selling food during lunch.
This year’s Club Rush, organized by head club commissioners seniors Meera Rachamallu and Allison Lin, will take place at lunch today. However, unlike previous years, sports teams will be selling food and fundraising as well.
“ASB really wanted to make it a priority to help fund all types of groups on campus just to encourage student involvement,” Rachamallu said.
Because some sports require payments upwards of $250 for uniforms and apparel, athletes can take matters into their own hands to make these costs cheaper for themselves, she said.
The ASB is continuing to try to find ways to provide money and publicity to a wide variety of groups. Due to the low involvement of clubs in Club Rush, however, the ASB decided to allow others to fill their spots.
“Club Rush normally gave all clubs an opportunity to make some money in an organized fashion, but since only 22 clubs signed up last year, we thought it would be a nice idea to let other groups like sports and commissions to participate,” Rachamallu said.
Some sports teams participating in this year’s Club Rush include the field hockey team.
“Our roster was pretty small last year, so we're hoping that Club Rush can raise awareness about the sport and recruit new members for next year,” said junior Kelsey Kinoshita. “We'll be using the money for apparel and equipment.”
With field hockey being the first sport to take part in club rush so far, they are hoping to lead the way for more to join in, said Kinoshita.
Like last year, designated tables for each group will be set up in the Quad. Students will once again exchange money for tickets that they can purchase food with.
“Our club hopes to get some more attention to increase membership while also raising funds for our club,” Acts of Random Kindness president senior Michael Chyan said. “Also, overall [we] just [want to have] a good time, because spreading happiness is what we look forward to.”
A total of 25 on-campus groups are participating in the event and 17 clubs including Interact, speech and debate, and Indian Cultural Awareness Club.
Since Chipotle, Jamba Juice and In-N-Out were the most popular choices last year, they will be sold again this year. The Science Club is offering Chipotle, Marine Biology club has Jamba Juice and Acts of Random Kindness has In-N-Out.
Additionally, popcorn chicken from QQQ, Starbucks frappucinos, Chick-fil-A, Five Guys, Yogurtland, Arizona iced tea and churros will be sold. The freshman class is selling root beer floats, the sophomore class has Dippin’ Dots, the junior class has Taco Bell and the senior class has pizza.
“Club Rush allows us to raise funds that can help our class with various things such as junior prom next year,” sophomore class treasurer Nathon Chin said. “We thought Dippin’ Dots would be a good idea since it seems popular, and hopefully we are able to profit and add to our savings.”
Last year, the 25 groups that participated made an average of $200-300 each. After a successful Club Rush last year, Rachamallu hopes that this year will be just as good if not better.
“I think it's a great opportunity for dying clubs to advertise and gain new membership,” Rachamallu said. “I hope that this event lets clubs get enough money to fund any projects they [want] to accomplish this semester.”