This is the third installment of WAC SAAC Gives Back, which highlights the community service efforts and activities of the Student-Athlete Advisory Councils at each of the nine WAC schools.
Idaho SAAC social media officer Andrew Bloom, a member of the track and field team, talks about some of the Vandal SAAC initiatives. So far this school year, Idaho SAAC has raised more than $3,000 and volunteered more than 450 hours. Among the initiatives are:
Trick or Treat at the Dome: The concourse in the Kibbie Dome was transformed to Trick or Treat Alley for the youth of Moscow to enioy. The kids were chaperoned by student-athletes through the maze of black curtains and Halloween decorations to 12 team areas, giving the kids more one-on-one time with the student-athletes. There was also a Cake Walk, a ball toss and catching game, and a four square tournament. The night culminated with a costume contest at the volleyball match.
Turkey Trot: On Nov. 16, community members, students and Vandal athletes gathered in the Kibbie Dome for the Turkey Trot 5k Fun Run. With the contributions of 65 participants, Idaho SAAC raised more than $800 for the Christmas for Kids Foundation, which helps low-income children in the Latah County area receive Christmas gifts and holiday dinners.
iWalk: The Vandals celebrated International Walk to School day by helping more than 800 students in the community of Moscow get active and walk to school. Student-athletes helped at the six different elementary schools in the area, learning about safe school walking routes and encouraging younger students to live healthy lifestyles.
Color for Hope Run: Several SAAC members participated in the second annual Colors of Hope 5K, which raised roughly $7,000 for the Gritman Medical Center's Light a Candle Program, which assists local cancer patients.
Idaho SAAC Calendar: As part of the WAC SAAC Gives Back initiative, Idaho created calendars to raise money for the Christmas for Kids Foundation. Each sports team is featured on a a different month and the calendars have nearly sold out.