Blitz Week is making a change

On April 4 through 8, Blitz week rocked Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) with events focused on raising money for charity. Blitz week is an annual events week for OBU that routinely occurs in the spring semester. Senior Co-Chair, Monica Bowen, and Junior Co-Chair Anna Caughlin oversaw Blitz week and made time to participate in some of the events. This semester the Blitz week funds were donated to Hope House.

“Hope House is a local nonprofit located right here in Shawnee. OBU students partner with them to provide mentorship and consistency to the students that go there,” Bowen said. Bowen and Caughlin worked hard to put on the events for Blitz week, but they also found time to enjoy the activities.

“My favorite event is Stampede of the Stars. It was originally an event put on by SGA in the 80’s but basically it is a field day with a $100 cash prize. It’s one you don’t want to miss,” Caughlin said. This is Caughlin’s first year as Co-Chair, and it will certainly not be her last.

I want to help the community we live in and I want to provide more opportunities to bring campus together but this could not be possible without all of the people that serve on committees and help with every step in this process,” Caughlin said. Caughlin’s fun loving spirit as well as her care for others shine through in all her hard work for the fundraising week.

“I love that it is an opportunity for the campus to come together in order to promote positive change in our community. It is also a great opportunity to put on events during a stressful time of the year…At the heart of Blitz week is benefiting others, yes it is fun to run away from zombies but our goal is to better the community we are living in,” Caughlin said. The goal of Blitz week is simple, but it is no simple task to put on the events. Along with Caughlin, Bowen coordinated, organized and participated in events.

“I am senior CO-Chair of Blitz Week this year! I am a part of Blitz Week because it is so rewarding seeing all the events come together to create something that is unique and special to OBU. Although we only have events one week of the year, it still takes a lot to plan with all the details and coordination between everyone that must happen. I like that it gets people excited and that all that we raise goes to a good cause!” Bowen said. Plenty of events happen during Blitz week, but one event is throughout the whole week: Humans vs Zombies.

“My favorite event is by far Humans vs. Zombies! The showdown specifically creates a build-up of anticipation throughout the week that is unmatched,” Bowen said. This one event started at the beginning of the week, and ended in a showdown at the end of the week. This event draws a significant crowd, but each event is exciting in its own way. Blitz week is focused on a simple goal and has a history of helping other Shawnee organizations in the past.

“In the past we have benefitted Legacy Parenting and even charities overseas! Blitz Week has a lot of familiar and favorite events such as Mr. Bison and Humans vs. Zombies. Blitz Week is an opportunity to have a lot of fun, meet new people, and feel good about yourself because you’re giving to charity!” Bowen said. As important as it is to plan the events for Blitz week, it would not be possible without people who would be willing to attend and donate to the events.

“Blitz Week also would not be possible without the student body’s support! Everything that we have accomplished has been because so many people support us and believe is our mission… it brings everyone together as they remember their favorite events,” Bowen said. Blitz week was nothingless than a success with the club raising $1,456.55 and this number does not include what was raised during Qdoba night. Blitz week is an exciting tradition of giving during the spring at OBU and none of it would be possible without the students who lead and those who choose to donate their time and funds. For more information about Blitz week, check out their Instagram @obublitzweek.