By Raquell Muniz, Staff Writer

Kick it for a Cause is a great way to promote collaboration between SLU and the local community. Together, they help raise awareness and money for a local child or family in need. This year, the event was dedicated to Stephanie Mckeel. Stephanie is a 17-year-old girl from Massena that is diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. This hereditary disorders affects the exocrine glands, which ultimately limit her ability to breathe. Sadly, this restricts Stephanie in doing what she loves, to have fun and play basketball. This last Saturday, The Center For Civic Engagement (CCE) and Volunteer Services came together to dedicate a day full of fun events in hope of raising money for Stephanie and her family. All the proceeds from this event is donated to fund any medical and travel expenses.

The event, which lasted from noon until 3 p.m., was filled with SLU students and people from around the community. The day was kick started with Zumba by the amazing SLU student instructor: Catherine Flores. Although people were still making their way into the event, the dance floor quickly filled up with participants that learned how fun Zumba can be! It also helped that the music Flores chose was upbeat and easy to dance to. After a 45 minute session, there was a 15 minute break for the participants and volunteers to catch a breathe and prepare themselves for the next event. At 1 p.m., some of the girls from La Casa Latina took the stage to show our crowd some basic salsa moves. However, wanting to get the crowd pumped up first, they started their exercise session with a quick Cha Cha Slide. This brought in a large crowd to the floor and got every single one of them warmed up to learn the latin moves. Even if you weren’t participating in dancing, one couldn’t contain themselves from dancing around the Field House. Our last event was instructed by Len Mackey. After two hours of fun dancing, it was time to slow down our heart rates and enjoy some relaxing, yet rewarding, yoga.

As the fun exercises were going on, the Field House was filled with other activities as well. There were different tables hosted by various groups across campus. These activities ranged from Corn-Hole, Kan Jam, Flash Tattoos, Soccer and Arts and crafts (including make your own cupcake design!). The event also hosted an Auction which some amazing prizes! Some prizes were movie night baskets—including a movie selection, candy and other movie essentials, a Vera Bradley De-Stress bag that included an ‘adult’ coloring book, candles and anything you can think of that’s relaxing. There also was a SLU gear bag that was filled with anything and everything that represent St. Lawrence, and an iPad Mini! The auction options varied which led a big crowd of different people to bid! Our winners got the chance to go home with some amazing winnings.

Sadly, Stephanie and her family could not attend the event due to her being admitted to the Boston Hospital. However, the event made sure to make Stephanie feel as if she did not miss a thing. There was a special table dedicated to making cards for her that are currently being delivered. There was also a chance to snapchat her and send her videos throughout the event. The CCE and Volunteer Services did a great job at hosting an event that was dedicated to such an amazing cause! If you might have missed it, make sure to check the CCE’s facebook page to look back on the pictures and if you still wish to participate in some way, you can always put in a donation or purchase a ‘Kick it for Stephanie’ shirt. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/stlawucce or contact Julie Johnson.