每日大赛鈥檚 Integrated Business Students Raise More Than $31,000 for Local Charities
Students from the 每日大赛鈥檚 raised more than $31,000 over the 10-week fall semester through startup businesses aimed at supporting local charities of their choosing.
In its eighth year, the program offers business students the hands-on experience to operate a real-business venture prior to graduation. Students develop a product, a business plan, and identify an affiliated charity to donate all profits.
Donations were presented to representatives from 10 charities during a ceremony at the university鈥檚 Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center on Dec. 13.
More than 80 students from 13 countries participated in the course and were among the largest group in the university鈥檚 history, according to Rick Hasse, senior adjunct instructor in the .
鈥淚t was incredible to watch as 10 teams of business students came together for the benefit of helping their communities,鈥� Hasse said. 鈥淭he most interesting trend this year was the selection of sustainability products.鈥�
Some of the products sold on campus, online, and at local farmers markets included: reusable straws, a water-resistant speaker, lighted dog collars, magnetic car mounts for mobile phones, and portable breathalyzers.
Team BAC-N-CONTROL, who sold portable breathalyzers, raised $1,000 in donations alone for their charity, Rockers Against Drunk Driving. The team took an innovative approach to raise profits by hosting a Family Feud event at the LaFetra College of Education.
Mariecia Miller, CEO of BAC-N-CONTROL, said the team thought outside the box when it came to driving sales and donations.
鈥淲e gave ourselves a high sales goal,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淚 think we succeeded in our efforts thanks to a supportive team that was driven by innovation.鈥�
During the presentation, Hasse acknowledged BAC-N-CONTROL鈥檚 unique business plan with a plaque to be housed in the . This is a first for the university and will continue to honor student teams.
Abe Helou, dean of the College of Business and Public Management, recognized the students and their dedication to the program. He hoped the collaboration with peers and mentorship from faculty instilled a desire in the students to keep giving.
鈥淭here are only a handful of students who get the opportunity to experience something like the Integrated Business Program,鈥� Helou told the students. 鈥淐herish the opportunity to work hard and give back to others.鈥�
The student businesses, the charity they supported, and their donations totals are:
- Find, St. Jude鈥檚 Children Hospital 鈥� $2,120.84
- Sh-Boom, Ophelia鈥檚 Jump 鈥� $3,607.09
- BAC-N-Control, Rockers Against Drunk Driving 鈥� $5,025.60
- Pack, Seal, Repeat, Orange County Coastkeeper 鈥� $4,626.91
- Power Up, Make-A-Wish 鈥� $3,907.01
- Pour N鈥橤o, Anthesis 鈥� $1,666.22
- Solo Straw, Surfrider Foundation 鈥� $4,014.38
- MightyMount, City of Hope 鈥� $1,586.03
- eMErgency, House of Ruth 鈥� $1,904.01
- Collars for a Cause, Inland Valley Humane Society 鈥� $2,981.07
Photo Caption: Student Jack Kolodge, CEO of Dr. Find, presents check to St. Jude鈥檚 Children Hospital representative on Dec. 13.
