By Andrew Stinson, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. –Do you know how it feels to be homeless? You’ll get the chance April 18-19 on Campbellsville University’s campus.
Campbellsville University’s Carver School of Social Work will be presenting “Cardboard Nation: A Homeless Experience” beginning April 18 at 7 p.m. and going until April 19 at 7 a.m. on Stapp Lawn of CU.
“Cardboard Nation’s” purpose is to expose the public to the truth about homeless living with all proceeds from the event going to Green River Ministries Homeless Shelter and Food Pantry.
Registrants for the event will “rent” space starting at a minimum of $25 with a $100 goal for each person attending. The more “rent” you pay, the larger the cardboard box you will be given to sleep in during your night of homelessness. A soup line will begin at 7:30 p.m.
In order to fully experience the situation, it is requested that you only bring one sleeping bag and one pillow. Chad Baconnier, president of the Social Workers in Touch Can Help (S.W.I.T.C.H.) Club, said “Remember, to a homeless person, a pillow is a luxury.” They also ask that you leave food, drinks, cell phones, laptops and video games behind.
The event will take place on Stapp Lawn if weather conditions are suitable. If raining, the event will be moved to a parking lot. Regardless, the event will take place. It is all part of the realization of what the homeless live with everyday.
“We wanted to make a big impact,” said Baconnier. “We wanted to do a fundraiser on a large scale with a social work twist that would leave an impact. This is what we came up with.”
Many activities will be taking place at the event. Group skits, a scavenger hunt and acoustic music presented by CU’s Oasis Band will all be taking place. Contests will also be happening throughout the night with door prizes, as well as a special prize for the person with the most money raised.
Green River Ministries Homeless Shelter is in the process of building a new homeless shelter that will house many more residents. With Cardboard Nation, the S.W.I.T.C.H. Club and Carver School of Social Work hope to raise money and awareness that will help the process move much faster.
To find out more on the event, or to get a registration form or pledge form, contact Misty Willis at the Carver School of Social Work at (270) 789-5049, or e-mail at mjwillis@campbellsville.edu. “Rent” is due April 11.
“This is your chance to make a difference. It’s a time for good friends, great fellowship and a priceless experience,” said Baconnier.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,405 students who represent 98 Kentucky counties, 25 states and 29 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2008 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South and eighth in the South for “Great Schools, Great Prices.” CU has been ranked 15 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his ninth year as president.