For the past ten years UNC has held a women’s march to help raise funds for female student-athletes. It’s an event where both men and women alike can come together and show their support by marching. Last Saturday, nearly 600 people came together and helped raise over 25,000 dollars at Butler-Hancock arena.
The event started early in the morning, and what a morning it was as snow and rain fell for the entirety of it. Some people could walk inside around the perimeter of the basketball court, but mostly everyone braved the stormy weather together.
The marchers walked about a mile from Butler-Hancock Arena to 11th Ave. near the University Center, and then walked down to South Hall back to Butler Hancock; a sort of circle around most of West Campus.
Out of those nearly 600 marchers were 250 student-athletes attending the event. Student-athletes from nearly every single UNC sports team, both men’s and women’s athletics, were there and helping out. Some marched and others stood on the side of the walking path to help the marchers find their way. Many encouraging hoots and hollers, as well as high fives were given out as the marchers walked by.
At the end of the march, marchers made one last walk through the cheers of UNC’s cheerleaders and on and through the mouth of UNC’s massive blow-up bear head.
This year had a bit of a twist to it compared to previous years, as UNC’s very own Emily Holtz led the kids in what was called the Klawz Kids Dance at the end. UNC wanted to involve kids in the event more than they had in the previous years and so athletes and kids danced together in closing of the event. The crowd was encouraged to dance and bop along with the music as well, and so the event ended in a fun and fashionable style.
Jenny Shoop, who helped start the idea of doing the women’s march when it first started, was honored at the end of event for her dedication and time spent as the Senior Director of Development at UNC. As Senior Director, Jenny oversees all of UNC’s NCAA athletics fundraising and donor engagement, including setting the strategy for major gifts development, annual giving programs and donor support for capital projects.
For more information on how to donate or get involved with UNC’s athletics contact Jenny Shoop at 970-351-1900 or Darin Thrun, Assistant Director for Athletic Development, by email at darin.thrun@unco.edu or by calling 970-351-4072.
