Otterbein College students were able to show off their competitive skills on the basketball court last Friday and managed to raise $350 to support Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
According to its Web site, MADD is a non-profit organization dedicated to, "stop drunk driving, protect the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking."
WOCC-TV3 (WOCC) started hosting the MADD Skillz Basketball Tournament three years ago in order to support MADD's mission and raise awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Public relations and special events coordinator for WOCC Giannina Bacigalupo, said that Andy Chow, a senior broadcasting major, came up with the idea of sponsoring a charity drive for MADD.
The drive would commemorate the lives of two Otterbein students who were the victims of alcohol-related car accidents.
The consequences of drinking and driving hit close to home, which is why "it is important to bring awareness to our community," said Bacigalupo. "There are people that don't always make the best decisions and that's why I'm willing to help out."
Cassandra Cardenas, a sophomore broadcasting/theatre and dance major, participated in the tournament and said, "Not only was I having fun with my friends, but I was having a better time knowing that it was all to raise money and awareness for a great cause."
"Everyone needs to know the consequences of driving intoxicated," said Cardenas. "It affects so many people and so many innocent lives are lost because of one stupid mistake."
According to MADD's Web site, in 2006 an estimated 17,602 people died as a result of alcohol-related accidents and it is estimated that three in every 10 Americans will be in alcohol-related accidents.
"It just doesn't make sense why anyone should put themselves or others at risk," said Christian Davis, a junior broadcasting major who also participated in the charity event.
Thirteen teams participated in the event and according to Bacigalupo, WOCC also managed to raise about $200 worth of prize donations from local sponsors, including Old Bag of Nails Pub, Graters, Rita's Italian Ice, Campus Programming Board (CPB), Papa John's, The Great Church of Christ, Cookie Bouquet and the Harvest Bread Company.
Besides the MADD Skillz Basketball Tournament, WOCC has also hosted speakers who came to campus and educated Otterbein students about the risks involved with drunken driving.
"The whole tournament was great," said Cardenas, "but my personal highlights were watching Dr. Jones show his skills on the court and when I made my one and only shot." t&c;
