Students plan annual fundraiser to help families in need

Proceeds from event will be donated to River Falls Sunshine Fund

Nov. 21, 2024 - Students in a University of Wisconsin-River Falls marketing communications class are learning more about the profession they’re studying while helping families in need.
 
Students in the Sales Promotions and Event Planning course taught by David Bonko, an associate professor and director of the university’s marketing communications program, are planning the Fourth Annual Gift & Thrift event on campus, an effort to help families needing financial assistance. 

The student-led event consists of a thrift store at which donated clothing will be sold. It will take place from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in the Falcon’s Nest at the University Center, E. 501 Wild Rose Ave., River Falls. Donated clothing will include jackets, shoes, shirts and pants. 
 
A silent auction will occur throughout the event. The UWRF Marching Falcons will provide entertainment from 5:15–5:35 p.m. All profits from clothing sales will be donated to the River Falls Sunshine Fund, an organization that assists people experiencing financial hardship. 
 
“Participating in the Fourth Annual Gift and Thrift event has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Brooke Zitzloff, a junior from Delano, Minn., who is majoring in marketing communications. “Through the Sales Promotion and Event Planning course, we’ve gained valuable hands-on experience in various aspects of event planning, helping us develop new skills and uncover what truly ignites our passion.” 
 
Sales Promotions and Event Planning class members are seeking donations, including financial help, clothing, and silent auction items. Those seeking to donate should contact kate.garbow@my.uwrf.edu. Digital cash donations can be made via Venmo at gift-thrift-and-silent-auction.square.site.
 
The event is sponsored by River City Stitch, Citizens State Bank, Game Quest Gaming, Freeman Drug, Leitch Insurance Agency, Tarnation Tavern, The Table on Main and The Garage Bikes + Brews. 
 
For more information, contact nolan.arechigo@my.uwrf.edu.