PPSA spaghetti feed raises $9,000

The 14th annual Spaghetti Feed & Auction sponsored by the Professional Pharmacy Student Alliance, or PPSA, went off without a hitch last month, as the event was able to raise $9,000, according to second-year pharmacy student and event chairperson Jacqueline Brown.

Of the total amount raised, $3,500 benefited 5-year-old Thomas, Pocatello, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Idaho™. It was Thomas’ wish to go to Disney World with his family over spring break. Thanks to all those who helped organize the event, the sponsors involved, and all who bid on items or otherwise helped, Thomas’ wish has been granted.

In addition to helping Thomas and his family, funds raised through the event will also benefit PPSA through professional development and community health promotion projects. Student members hold several free health clinics annually, in addition to volunteering to educate elementary students regarding poison prevention.

“Events such as the Spaghetti Feed & Auction help pharmacy students learn about community service since a portion of the funds raised went to a charity,” pharmacy dean Joseph Steiner said. “This is important for students because when they become pharmacists, they will be expected to be active in their communities.  This is one of the reasons that pharmacists are one of the most respected professionals.”

The evening began with a silent auction as live music from pianist/singer Katie Wilson set the mood. College of Pharmacy faculty prepared a feast of Italian food.

“I love it. I’m half Italian and it’s in my blood,” laughed Steiner when asked how he enjoyed preparing food for the more than 500 in attendance. “The turnout was overwhelmingly more than we expected.”

Then things got exciting as Dr. Dave Hachey, clinical associate professor at ISU’s Kasiska College of Health Professions, auctioneered off more than $5,000 worth of items provided by area and national businesses as well as private donors. Everything from scenic ATV tours with clinical assistant professor Dr. Kerry Casperson to a custom-built hall table made by first-year pharmacy student Daren Kunz were up for grabs. Kunz’s table was the evening’s highest selling item at $740.

The approximately 70 raffle items were also a big help in raising funds and were able to generate more than $700. Hachey, like many in attendance, was overwhelmed by the large community turnout.

“This is twice as many people as I’ve ever seen in the eight years I’ve been involved with the auction,” Hachey said.

Steiner attributed a large portion of the events success to the students, particularly organizers Brown and second-year student Nancy Seroski, who were able to attract a number of donations.

Anyone having questions regarding the auction may contact event organizers Jacqueline Brown and Nancy Seroski at sfra@pharmacy.isu.edu. Work has already begun on next year’s event and the organization welcomes any suggestions to make 2008’s auction even better.