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Bed Races: Fellows host first bed race event to raise donations

More than 50 students and spectators gathered this weekend to witness the first “bed race” charity tournament, hosted by the leadership and service organization Bradley Fellows.

“Since Bradley’s never done this before, we thought having a bed race on campus would be a great idea,” senior computer science major and Fellows President Lorraine Adams said.

Easter Seals, the main benefactor of the event, provides education, assistance and physical therapy to individuals living with autism and other disabilities. With a therapy center just minutes away from campus, the Fellows can provide support both locally and nationally.

“As Fellows, we strive to volunteer and serve,” senior retail merchandising major Kristen Jensen said. “Fellows was founded with Easter Seals in 1996, so we look forward to continuously supporting them in the future.”

Five teams, including the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, the Newman Center Organization and students from Wyckoff’s second floor were entered in the race. Each submitted a small participation fee as a donation to Easter Seals.

Sophomore English major Paris Bateman said the event was unique.

“It’s really exciting that the Fellows is the first organization to hold this kind of fundraising event at Bradley,” she said. “It is a great way to raise money for such a worthy philanthropy like the Easter Seals.”

The “beds” created by each team, included a wooden frame, a device to maneuver the vehicle down the track and a mattress. The rules were minimal; each team had to stay in constant contact with their vehicles with one team member on the mattress while the other members steered.

The tournament was decided by a double-elimination bracket, pairing teams against each other each race until a winner was declared. Many close races and a couple of broken beds later, the team from Wyckoff’s second floor was declared champions.

With the donations received at the event and support from local sponsors, more than $250 was raised for the Easter Seals.

 

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