On October 28, the Student Veteran Alliance, headed by Jessica Najera-Mcfarland (SVA president), organized a safe trick or treating environment for the children of the Daemen College community. Clubs, sororities, the dance team, registration advisory and the library supported the event by setting up tables and handing out candy to children dressed in costumes trick or treated the halls of Duns Scotus and the RIC.
“We wanted to support the SVA, help provide a good time as well as a safe trick or treat experience,” said Chad Van Every, President of the Sports Management Club.
“We like to help out and wanted to be more interactive with other clubs in the Daemen Community,” said Rachel Zine, President of CRU (Christian campus ministry group).
“I personally love kids in costumes,” said Mckinley Estime, President of the Music Club.
Children of all ages from the Daemen community dressed in costume as their favorite cartoon characters, superheroes, monsters, and animals. One of the favorites was a puppy Dalmatian costume worn by Stone Boesken. Lynette Boesken, Stone’s mother, works in the Business and Paralegal Department at Daemen College.
“I had my son’s costume and wanted to take him trick or treating in a safe environment,” said Boesken when asked why he attended.
Olivia, dressed as a Ghostbuster, and Nathan, dressed as AJ from Blaze and the Monster Machines trick or treated with their father Dr. Mike Berta, Daemen College’s director of educational development.
“We wanted to come out and support the Daemen Community and Who doesn’t love free candy,” said Berta when asked why he attended.
Students also dressed up as well, while handing out their holiday treats. Johannah Kerrigan dressed as Wednesday Adams to help her mom Kim Kerrigan, Registration Advisory, hand out candy.
“I just love Halloween,” said Johannah.
The reason everyone attended was for the candy. Patrick Dormer, dressed in a red morph-suit, and his brother Sean, dressed in a blue morph-suit agreed that Fun Dip was the best candy given.
“Everybody loves Fun Dip that’s why I picked it,” said Kesi Akono, President of the Dance Team.
“Laffy Taffy has jokes, candy bracelets for girls, are fun candies,” said Liysah Hamidu, President of the African Student Association when asked why she picked that candy.
“Why give out pencils? Because they are cute and are healthier than candy,” said Regina Monry, President of Health Promotion Student Association.
The SVA opened the doors of the Vet lounge and provided donuts and cider for all to have.
“I could not be happier with the outcome for our first year putting on the event. The amount of support from the other clubs was outstanding. We as a club are so appreciative of everyone’s support and can’t wait to hold this event in the future,” said Najera-Mcfarland.
Clubs and offices involved with the event were the Student Veteran Alliance, Anime Club, CRU, Social Work Alliance, Music Club, Health Promotion Students Association, African Student Association, Sports Management Club, Rhetorical Roar, and the History and Government Club. Sororities involved were Sigma Pi Epsilon Delta, Delta Phi Mu, and Lambda Chi Iota. Others involved were the Dance Team, Library work-study, and Registration Advisory.