FSU students to show community appreciation through ‘The Big Event’ volunteerism

Florida State University will gather together with the local community at The Big Event this weekend to give back through volunteer work and say ‘thank you’ to the city of Tallahassee.

Students, faculty and staff from FSU as well as Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College will be assigned to a variety of service volunteer projects throughout the day to help nonprofits, residential sites, churches, schools, farms, parks, Big Bend and all types of organizations in Tallahassee.

It is one of the largest, one-day, student-run service projects in the nation, with more than 3,000 volunteers. Striving to embody the ideals of unity and service, this will be the 10th year the event has brought the city together.

“As a Tallahassee local, and now an FSU student, I love how The Big Event works to bridge these two groups through community service,” said Sam Kerce, executive director of The Big Event. “It allows our students to gather for one day to launch a lifelong love of service to their community.”

The community is invited to come out to show support and have fun during this all-day event that kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

Speakers will include FSU President John Thrasher, Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna, FSU professor Mark Ziegler and other community leaders. The event kick-off will also include entertainment provided by DJs, the FSU Golden Girls, bounce houses, plus other activities and tables set up by local vendors and other FSU groups.

The Big Event is a tradition that started at Texas A&M University 28 years ago. It serves as the official community service event for Florida State University.

For more information, visit thebigevent.fsu.edu.