First ever “Push” event raises funds for USO

The Beta Mu chapter Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity (more commonly known as FIJI), the US Army, College Republicans, SGA, the Interfraternity Council and the Office of Greek Life hosted The Push last Saturday afternoon in Wyman Park. Hopkins students competed to see who could push an up-armored Army Humvee of 1000 pounds for 100 yards the fastest. The event was held to raise money for the USO.

Various teams vied for the first place prize of a $300 gift card to PJ’s Pub. Competitors who came in second through fifth place received $100 gift cards to Chipotle. WaWa won the race and FIJI followed in second place.

"The opportunity to push an armored humvee doesn't come around often so the FIJI Push stands out as a unique way to raise money. I was surprised at how quickly all the teams were able to push the humvee. The event was fun, well organized and most importantly, brought together a variety of student groups in support of the USO," sophomore Natalie Boyse said.

The USO is a non-profit that helps to support American soldiers and their families through morale, welfare and recreational services.

“We believe strongly in supporting our troops and are excited to engage the Hopkins Community in raising money for this organization,” “The Push” Executive Committee member Michael St. Germain said.

Teams consisted of 10 members, many of which represented a fraternity, sorority or Hopkins athletic team. Every team member had to raise a minimum of ten dollars in order to participate, and all participants walked away with a free T-shirt and water bottle.

“We were extremely happy with the way The Push turned out. Over 150 people involved and $2,000 raised for the USO for a first time event. Our goal was $1,500 so we definitely overshot our expectations,” St. Germain said.

St. Germain came up with the idea of executing The Push at Hopkins, drawing inspiration from watching a similar humvee event at the University of Central Florida.

“It was really awesome seeing students from various niches of the Hopkins campus aggregating for a common cause, an essential national cause while having some fun and laughs in the process,” sophomore Ari Weiss said.

This was the first time Hopkins hosted such an event, and as with any new event there were some difficulties.

“There are many challenges to starting a new event. Getting a humvee was a big one. The Army was very supportive, but we just had some minor logistical issues. The bigger issue was getting teams to sign up,” said St. Germain. “The event was a really good way to get the general student body involved in a fun charity event that is not a run or walk... It was also a good way for students to interact with soldiers and USO representatives and learn about the USO.”