Ever want to tell your professors what to do?
Students were able to do just that last Thursday at the annual Faculty Waits on You Dinner, sponsored by the Leonard Carmichael Society (LCS) and held in Dewick-MacPhie Dining Hall. Money raised by both admission to the dinner and a country-style auction - the evening's main event - benefited the Somerville Homeless Coalition.
"We're here to support LCS in its continuing effort to provide financial support and human resources to the Somerville Homeless Coalition," AEPi fraternity member Dan Sinrod said. Members of AEPi, will be assisting the Somerville Homeless Coalition by creating a website for the organization.
This year's event brought in approximately $4000 for the Coalition, which is slightly higher than the amount raised in years past. Though some students would have liked to see the money go to causes such as earthquake relief - especially in light of recent natural disasters in India and El Salvador - LCS felt strongly that the proceeds should benefit a local charity.
"The event started specifically for [the Coalition], thus the cause is always the same. We have raised money for them for many, many years, so we stuck with the tradition rather than taking away money that they depend on," event co-coordinator Sheri Weinberg said.
"They really count on this money and they run some great programs so we were glad to help them," added Rachel Peck, the other co-coordinator.
Peck and Weinberg collected "prizes" from faculty members, student organizations, and local businesses for the auction, which was led by men's track and field coach Connie Putnam. Students bid on items such private concerts from the Bubs, the Mates, sQ, and the Jills, a year's worth of dry cleaning, and dinner and a massage courtesy of Dan Landman and Angel Hossein.
Among the most popular prizes in recent years has been lunch with President DiBiaggio and a ride in his classic Packard car.
This year, Rabbi Jeffrey Summit, Sol and Robyn Gittleman, and Dean of Students Bruce Reitman were among the faculty members who took part in the auction.
While the dinner has become a tradition for many faculty members and students, this year's event was also attended by many first-timers.
"This is the first one I've been to and I'm amazed at how eager the faculty and staff are to wait on the students," Traveling Treasure Trunk member Ariana Wohl said.
"I think it's great that we can all come down here and have a good time with good food and good people," added freshman Colin Stewart.
Organizers were pleased with the turnout, as the event attracted enough students to pack the dining hall and keep the numerous faculty volunteers running back and forth from the kitchen with more bread baskets.
This year's dinner attracted 18 faculty members, fewer than in years past. Organizers say the recruiting process was more personal than this year, as LCS members were asked to invite their favorite faculty members.
"Most faculty are glad to help out and enjoy the event. Many of the professors have attended the dinner in the past and enjoy coming back each year," Peck said.
Cathy Doheny, who works in the vice president's office and has participated four times, said, "It makes me feel good to help out."
The Faculty Waits on You Dinner has been a tradition for nearly 30 years and is one of LCS's most popular and successful events.
"I think the students give so much to the University so for us to give back at least once a year is just great," Student Activities Program Coordinator Ed Cabellon said.
