The Criminal Justice Honors Society held their first ever benefit banquet on Friday, Nov. 30. The event was held to raise money for Criminal Justice majors in financial need.
Approximately 75 people attended the event, which was held in the HUB Multipurpose Room. Tables were decorated, and many people took the opportunity to sit and enjoy the evening with friends. Frattelos Ristorante of Lincoln generously donated dinner. Mixed Emotions and Vocal Order, two acapella groups from PSU, entertained the crowd at the event.
Most majors in the criminal justice department are first generation college students, “We thought it was important to help them out,” Professor Mark Fischer, advisor for the honor society said, “I think it’s the first of its kind.”
“We wanted to put the money back in their pockets,” Sean O’Donnell, a senior Criminal Justice major and one of two major organizers of the event said. The Criminal Justice Honor Society hoped this event would bring students together.
As for preparation for the event, a lot of hard work was needed so the evening would run smoothly, “We spent at least four or five hours a day this week, a good forty hours went into planning this,” Jennafer Goetsch, senior criminal justice major and another main organizer of the event said. The two began planning the event earlier in the semester.
“I want to give a lot of credit to our leadership,” said Fischer, “The student leaders really made it their own and I’m deeply impressed with the job they have done.”
Mixed Emotions, the female acapella group was the first to perform. They sang a medley of pop and Christmas songs. Vocal Order,” the male acapello group, followed them. Both groups had a similar program. At the end of the night, the two groups combined for a rendition of “Carol of the Bells.” Both groups received a standing ovation.
Raffle tickets were sold and the winner received a gift basket filled with gift certificates donated by several area restaurants. By the end of the night, the Criminal Justice Honor Society had successfully fundraised nearly $900 for students assistance.
This is the first year the criminal justice department has been recognized by the national honor society. EM Heath’s, Canoe Restaurant, Foster’s Steak House, The 99 Restaurant and Uno’s Pizzeria all contributed gracious donations.