Marketing students' cookoff helps veterans in need

Marketing students' cookoff helps veterans in need

The Advertiser

By Taylor Prejean

12.28.11

McNeese professor Carolyn Garrity gave her Marketing Innovations students what she saw as an ambitious assignment, not knowing what to expect from them. It turned out to be extremely successful.

She said that on the first day of the semester, she told the 38 juniors and seniors they'd have to plan an entire fundraising event.

"I think at first they thought I was crazy. It's a different type of thing to do in a college class," she said.

Once the initial shock wore off, the students began planning.

Garrity said she was there to advise the students when they needed help, but for the most part they were solely responsible for planning, organizing and carrying out the event.

The class ultimately settled on a gumbo cook-off, called the Cowboy Cook-Off, which would include a live and silent auction. The class decided to donate the proceeds to the Fisher House Foundation, which provides housing near major VA medical centers so the families of wounded soldiers can visit their loved ones at minimal cost.

The event on Nov. 20 raised over $16,000 — more than she'd expected, Garrity said.

Money wasn't the main reason Garrity chose such an ambitious project.

"This is a Marketing Innovations class, and I was trying to make them think more entrepreneurial about it. I thought this would be a great way for them to get hands-on experience applying these marketing concepts in class," Garrity said.

In a news release by Garrity, student and marketing co-chair Amber David said that's exactly what this project accomplished.

"I've never been involved in anything like this, and I can say it was a learning experience I will never forget. The fundraiser looks great on a resume, and the involvement in our community has a positive individual reflection as well," David said.

Garrity said this was her first year teaching at McNeese and her first time to try this project.

She said she has been very impressed with the students' positive attitudes and willingness to work, so she plans to use the assignment in future classes.

The students who organized this year's gumbo cook-off want to make it an annual event, she said. "That makes me really happy."