The Big Event has a big comeback
The Big Event returned in a big way this year to The University of Texas at Arlington.
Nearly 300 volunteers participated in the University’s day of service on April 10, 2021, across 34 community service agencies and residences, including the city of Arlington’s Parks and Recreation Community Garden, Owenwood Farm managed by GROW North Texas and Mission Arlington.
The Big Event involves three annual days of community service and outreach involving students, faculty and staff. After a virtual volunteer day last year with only remote opportunities available, it was time for volunteers to get their hands dirty again—with painting, landscaping, facility cleanup and more—for the 21st anniversary of this event.
“This was my first year to participate and I’ve never worked with people more passionate about helping the community,” said Ronda Finney, a freshman studying biology and a student assistant in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. “I helped in the community garden, and it was some of the participants’ third or fourth time volunteering at this site alone.
“I learned new things about gardening and ways to live sustainably, and I met other people from UTA with interests similar to mine. It was a fun experience where you can meet people and feel good about helping the community.”
Patrick Kelly, director of student activities, was proud of the participation turnout and the return to in-person service projects. Nearly 60 student site leaders helped coordinate projects, which included yard work, trail maintenance, fence painting, food pantry stocking and hosting an ice cream social.
“We are excited that we were able to continue to offer students the opportunity to volunteer with the UTA community again this year,” Kelly said. “Our executive board worked tirelessly over the past year with planning committee members to bring together all of these wonderful opportunities to give back.”
The Big Event has enjoyed tremendous growth since its 2000 debut. Since then, volunteers have completed more than 100 projects. Participation in The Big Event reached its highest level in 2019, with more than 1,150 volunteers donating over 4,000 hours of service to the community.
Explore more involvement and engagement opportunities with UT Arlington’s Student Activities.
