The Associated Students Organization (ASO) is hosting fundraising programs to raise money for scholarship programs, according to ASO student representative Jonathan Fackler.
Fackler helped organize a fundraising rally Sunday, April 17, put together by the Hands Across California organization, formerly the Hands Across America organization
The event was created to help raise awareness and money for the crumbling budget in the California college system.
All money raised during the event is to be used for scholarship programs for California students, according to Fackler.
The Bernard Osher Foundation agreed to give .50 cents for every dollar raised during the event.
The event raised $10,500 after the match from the Bernard Osher Foundation.
The Hands Across California organization was hoping to have a 2,000 student turn out.
“We wanted about 2,000 people,” said Fackler. “But realistically I’m thinking about 500.”
Even with the lowered expectations the event failed to meet even close to what was hoped.
“The turn out was really sad,” said Amy Mandel a 21-year-old child development major. “It’s spring break and a lot of people are out of town.”
With such a low turn out, some felt that attending the event had been a waste of time
“This was just poorly planned,” said Jessica Saber, a 26-year-old English major. “Not only is it spring break but It’s Coachella weekend, how many people did they think would be in town?”
Rumors had been circulating that actor Joe Spano, an award winning actor from TV shows such as NCIS, and Hill Street Blues, would be attending the event.
Those rumors were confirmed, however, the celebrity failed to make his appearance canceling last minute, according to Fackler.
“We also had a local band scheduled to perform,” said Fackler. “But they canceled last minute as well.”
The ASO will continue to host programs to raise money for the states crippled scholarship programs, according to Daniel Axelrod, ASO president.
“It’s not over yet, we have until June 2 to raise money,” said Axelrod. “We will continue to have fundraising events at restaurants. I believe the next one will be at Maria’s Italian Kitchen.”
