Ferris’ Student Government Association is bringing back one of its most impactful traditions, The Big Event, a large-scale community service initiative to help local Big Rapids residents.
It is a day of students helping the community through service.
Computer information systems senior and Student Government Association President Stephen Bender shared his excitement.
“We want to help Big Rapids residents. A lot of people know about this event and rely on it,” Bender said.
The focus of The Big Event is to help residents, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. Volunteers will first stop at designated stations to receive supplies before heading to assigned properties for cleanup efforts.
The event is not only beneficial for the residents, but it provides students with a unique, hands-on volunteer experience according to Bender.
“Helping out at someone’s home is different from other types of volunteering,” Bender said. “It requires extra care and consideration.”
Information security and intelligence graduate student and the SGA Director of Internal Assessment Cale Herzenstiel shared his evolving motivation for joining The Big Event. Initially, Herzenstiel signed up to fulfill volunteer hour requirements for an RSO.
However, after becoming involved with SGA, his purpose shifted toward fostering student involvement and strengthening connections between Ferris and Big Rapids.
“As a cabinet member of SGA, I want to support the events and activities sponsored by the organization,” Herzenstiel said. “The experience has absolutely inspired me to volunteer in the future. I had a great experience every time, and I think it has helped me become more willing to volunteer at other events, too.”
The Big Event is expected to draw many student volunteers, and in addition to providing physical help, it fosters connections between the students and residents.
“In the past, there have been hundreds of student volunteers,” Bender said. “The townspeople come to our sporting games and to our dining halls, this is our way of giving back and showing our appreciation.”
SGA plans on assisting 50 homes in Big Rapids, having two to four students at each house. Tasks include yard work, minor outdoor maintenance and other essential home care services.
The Big Event has long been a source of pride for students and faculty members. While some organizers have not personally participated, Honors Program Advisor and assistant professor Cathy Bordeau recognizes its significance. The Big Event strongly aligns with the values of the Honors Program.
“One of the traditional commitments of honors students is to contribute to the public good,” Bordeau said. “It was fun for them to volunteer with their friends, and it can be a first volunteer experience that makes them want to continue to engage with the community.”
Many Big Rapids residents relied on The Big Event and missed it when it was gone. Last year, an elderly resident posted in the Facebook group Ask Big Rapids, sharing that she depended on the event each year for her yard work and didn’t know what she would do without it.
With hopes of improving in the years to come, Bender and his team have refined their focus to prioritize those in need.
“We want to ensure that it has an impact on those who need it the most,” Bender said.
Looking ahead, Bender hopes The Big Event continues for many years to come, further solidifying the Big Rapids community. Through this initiative, students not only help others in need but gain a deeper appreciation for the city they call home.
The event will take place on April 12, with volunteers gathering at the Top Taggart Field parking lot at 10 a.m. before dispersing into the community.