The Big Event reaches out to community

“Animals were adopted from Friends of Pets, Crest View residents enjoyed a scavenger hunt and a garden was planted at the Intermediate School,” French-Collins said. “All things considered with the weather, The Big Event team was very happy with our results.”

Rosella Tesch, director of the Chadron Public Library, said she was surprised and appreciative to see so many volunteers.

“The weather was cold and dreary, it was raining and everything felt soggy. I was sure The Big Event had been postponed. Yet, with big smiles and much energy, the volunteers planted their sign in the ground and started to rake with efficiency and cheerfulness. Coming out of a long winter, the library lawns were desperate for a good cleaning. Now they look well groomed,” Tesch said.

Taylor Osmotherly, associate director of Housing and Residence Life, praised French-Collins and The Big Event staff.

“I am so glad that The Big Event has become such an integral part of who we are at Chadron State College. We are an institute that wants to give back to the community that serves us so well throughout the year. I am elated to be a part of such a meaningful event,” Osmotherly said.

Ron Miller, secretary of the Chadron Arts Center, said he was impressed with Graduate Assistant Megan O’Leary’s planning and organization skills.

“Megan made an appointment to meet me at the work site several days ahead of time to see what we needed. Then she called to confirm the day before. Jim Margetts brought some tools and the students did even more work than we had planned. They filled a pickup truck with debris. They did a terrific job,” Miller said.

Members of the women’s basketball team, Savannah Weidauer of Pleasant Grove, Utah, and Rachel Henkle of Newcastle, Wyoming, said volunteering with The Big Event was a great way to repay the community who supports their team.

“Working with your teammates in a setting other than your sport is a good thing,” Henkle said.