The Big Event

We probably all have volunteered in some aspect at least once in our community, but when it is an event with over one thousand people volunteering for one service project, it’s a different story. That is exactly what the Big Event this past spring was – a unique event.

The Big Event is the biggest service event in Oxford’s history benefitting Oxford and Lafayette County.

Virginia Burke, former ASB President, led the way for the Big Event to be brought to the Ole Miss campus. Burke said “The focus of the Big Event was geared towards areas of the Oxford community that do not typically receive much attention.” Event volunteers got a chance to help the community by assisting with numerous tasks like cleaning yards and basements, painting houses, and other chores that needed to be done. Rainy weather did not keep over twelve hundred students from Ole Miss from participating in the local event, which exceeded all of the goals and expectations of the organizers of this community-wide service project. The large number of participants really speaks volumes for the commitment of the Ole Miss students to serving the Oxford community which they temporarily call home.

Sarah Rogers, former ASB Director of Community Service, heard of the idea of such an event from students that attend Texas A&M in College Station, Texas. This similar event has been going on for at least 30 years in College Station. Following the successful event in Oxford, Rogers said “The event gave students the opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation to the Oxford community for all they do to support our campus.”

The event was more than one geared to helping the community. It also gave students the opportunity to show their appreciation to the Oxford citizens. Residents must endure increased traffic, crime, noise, and overcrowding due to the University’s location in their town. This event was just one way for students to give back to the residents who help to make Oxford a special place. Burke says “I was so excited for these student’s as well as myself to go out and give a little back to the Oxford community to show our gratitude and to also thank them for all of their support.”