I'm Back

I apologize loyal readers (HA!) that I've been away so long. I've actually been to Beijing and back, and I'd like to give you a few updates on the biggest things I've done since last I updated.

-RHA ran a really successful Benefit Week, culminating in a Haiti Relief Auction that raised over $14,000, among the biggest prizes were: the #1, 2, & 3 housing lottery numbers, a dinner with our President Fr. McShane, tickets and backstage passes to Mamma Mia on Broadway (donated by my dear friend Alyse Alan Louis, who currently stars in the show), and many more. I hosted the live auction, which was a bit tiring, but loads of fun. As an Executive Board member, I could not have been more pleased with the work done by our General Board members. Throughout the week, they stood up and took control of events in countless ways. The RHA is a really great opportunity for underclassmen (especially freshmen) to get leadership experience very early on, and this week reminded me of why I love it so much.

-Over spring break (March 12-20), I went to China with the Global Business Honors Program. Throughout our jam-packed week, we saw the Great Wall, Tian'namen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Silk and Pearl Markets and much more. We also heard lectures on the Chinese culture and economy and met with business people who tried to paint a picture of what it's like to do business in the ever-growing nation. For me, the highlights were probably: sledding down the Great Wall on my elbows and stomach (there was a snowstorm), eating fried snake, shark, starfish, silkworm, centipede, bee cocoon and scorpion, and touring through the absolutely spectacular Summer Palace. It was my third trip with GBHP (previously, we visited London and Buenos Aires) and it has been an incomparable experience. Friend me on fb to see some great pictures.

-The third highlight of my March was our first Musical Improv show. I've previously spoken a bit about the club, but this was our first performance with an audience. The suggestion we received for our title was "minefield" and the song we were asked to perform was "That Hurt a Little." In the show, I played the evil villain, Mr. Johnson, the CEO of the Crocs corporation. I sent my minion, Jean, to find someone who would help her blow up mines, in order to inspire fear in the American people and to push them to buy the new mine-proof Crocs. It was a laugh-filled evening for all involved and I can't wait to do another.

I promise I won't make you wait as long next time.

Benefit Week

This week is RHA's annual Benefit Week and I'd like to tell you about the three events we already have held.

On Saturday afternoon, we held a Volleyball tournament for the Incarnation Children's Center, a place where orphans infected with HIV/AIDS live. We've donated to them for years and it was exciting to do so again this year. They're a particularly great place because they use all of our donation to give directly back to the kids (with toys and events and such) rather than adding it to overhead costs.

On Monday night, we held a Battle of the Bands in the Ramskellar. Five bands performed and brought a really great array of talent to the stage. My good friend Rebekah Choi hosted the event and remained appropriate the entire time, which was both a shock and a relief. Through the Battle, we raised money for Operation Shoebox which is a charity for the troops.

Earlier tonight (I know it's now Wednesday, but it's basically Tuesday, still), we held a Poker tournament in O'Keefe Commons which raised money for Parents of ANGELS (an autism charity). We had a great turnout and saw some very intense poker playing. I'm not much of a gambler, so it took me a while to get into it, but eventually everyone was psyched to see the final showdown. In a heated, three person final, Freshman Nick Geraghty ended up winning the tournament and $500.

Now, we're gearing up for our Video Game Tournament and Beer and Wine Tasting on Thursday!

I'm going to see a new show called "The Temperamentals" tomorrow at New World Stages. I promise to report back.

Back-a from NACA

I just got back from the National Association of Campus Activities. As Executive Secretary of the RHA, I went with much of the Campus Activities Board, my president, Mike Trerotola, and some members of the Commuting Students Association. The point of the conference is to advertise acts and other entertainers that you can bring to campus. RHA has been expanding in that direction a lot over the past few years and so we thought it would be valuable to go.

Some of the best things I thought we could actually bring are:
-Sustainable, customizable pens that I'd like to get for RHA to hand out.
-Many, many comedians (a lot helpfully based out of NYC)
-FUEL, a documentary that was a big hit at the Sundance Film Festival which is all about environmental sustainability and efforts across the country to improve. The narrator of the film was a huge proponent of Biofuel, but offered up a host of solutions to be taken in harmony in order to "greenify" the country. I adored the film and would love to bring it to campus. One of the things our students lack is concern for the environment, and I'd love to fix that. One of the coolest aspects of biofuel is that you can taste it without harm AND it can power your car. I was forcing biofuel upon my fellow conference-goers all weekend.
-I also saw an indie movie called The Scenesters which was surprisingly funny. It's not too expensive to rent the film from the distributor and I'd love to bring it to campus and give the filmmakers (whom I met) some exposure.

Overall, it was a fun and useful weekend, if a bit too long.

I'm psyched to get back into the swing of things on campus.

I'll update again soon, I promise.