Working at a large university there are many opportunities to volunteer.

This semester I
chose to help with our very first annual Department Dash event. This event was organized to not
only help fund our fitness center at the University of Rochester, but to function as a team
building event as well.

The Department Dash consisted of a 5K run or 1.5mile walk. Throughout the hospital
employees could create teams within their departments to take part in this event. Each
department was able to choose from a spectrum of colored T-shirts to represent their team. The
teams were encouraged to go all out with creating unique and fun additions to their attire. Some
of the themes among the racers were superheroes, bumblebees, Hawaiian themed and more.

The organization leaders for the Dash event went all out. They hired a DJ to host the race.
He oversaw entertaining all the participants while we waited for the race to being. My part in
volunteering for this event was to get all the racers lined up and ready to start the race. In true
upstate New York fashion, just as the DJ announced the call for the racers to line up, a crack of
thunder was heard, and a flash of lighting was seen in the near sky. We were forced to postpone
the start of the race for nearly 30 minutes while the downpour passed.

While hanging out under a pavilion with over 500 participants anxiously waiting to start
racing, I noticed that not even the rain was going to dampen the spirits of those surrounding me.
As the thunder rolled laughter in the pavilion struck. Participants distracted each other with light
conversation, playing games of cornhole, and walking around taking pictures of each other’s
costumes. It was nice to see so many people from the hospital mingling and enjoying one
another’s company.

Once the rain ceased, I could get the runners in position and get the race started. We
stood in line while the National Anthem was beautifully sung by an employee of the hospital.
Then, with the shot of the gun, the runners were off! I also oversaw waiting at the finish line to
welcome in the first runners to return. I was there to offer water and bananas to all the famished
runners. I was also in charge of looking out for the participates that were walking, making sure
they all made it back safely to the picnic area.

The race ended but the fun was just beginning. The organizers of the Department Dash
provided various raffles for all the racers to enter. They catered a gluten free picnic style dinner
once the race was completed so everyone could relax and dine together. As people ate their
dinner, the DJ continued to entertain with music, draw winners for raffles and hand out the
awards for the fastest racers.

It was truly a pleasant experience to see so many employees enjoying each other’s
company. It was also a great event that benefitted our fitness center as well. With the proceeds
gained from the event we will be able to buy new equipment for the fitness center. We will be
able to provide more fitness classes for our employee to attend. That in turn will help keep our
employees more healthy and fit. I feel that more companies create events like this one, more
employees will be encouraged to join in.

Nathan, Neil and I volunteering at the University of Rochester’s

Department Dash
Images from the Department Dash event.