As American River College gears up to celebrate 70 years of dedication to quality education and community, a grand homecoming soiree is in the works. On Oct. 10, the Associated Student Body Student Senate unanimously voted to approve up to $8,000 from the ASB budget to help fill the funding gaps.
The proposal was brought forward by President Lisa Cardoza’s executive assistant, Amanda Lewis, who has been planning the weeklong event. Her request included funds to help pay for two events on the Homecoming Week docket.
The first scheduled event is “Dam Fam: Appreciation Day,” which will be held on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will serve as a way to thank staff and faculty for all the work they put into American River College, and will require roughly $1,800 of the requested funds.
“We don’t have any funds that can go to employee appreciation efforts,” Lewis said in her proposal. “I’ve had people nearly in tears at that idea, that they’re going to be thanked from our students because that does not just happen.”
This special staff focused event will include a breakfast catered by the Oak Cafe, and will serve as an opportunity for staff, faculty and students involved with the event to connect in a positive environment of gratitude and appreciation.
The second event that will receive the allocated funds is the Homecoming Spirit Fest, which will take place on Nov. 1, prior to the start of the ARC Homecoming Football game, and will last from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“It’s going to be a big parking lot party,” Lewis said. “I need [the funding for] some inflatables, some games, and things for people to have fun with while they are there.”
While ASB will be recognized as major sponsors for both events, Lewis was also able to acquire other sponsors for Spirit Fest including Pepsi, Frito Lay and BSN Sports who will provide free drinks, snacks and ARC tee shirts. While the exact amount that will be needed from the approved $8,000 is unclear at this time, Brett Sawyer, ASB faculty advisor, assured the Student Senate that concerns about what happens with any extra money are moot.
“[ASB] just pays whatever amount is loaded onto the bill. We don’t do a budget transfer into another account,” Sawyer said. “It’s easier to track that way, so if you spent half of that, the other half just stays in house.”
More details about all homecoming events can be found on the ARC Website Homecoming Page.
