East versus West, Cardinals versus Lakers, Grand Valley versus Saginaw Valley. 

Grand Valley State University’s Student Senate is kicking off the 2018 Battle of the Valleys this week in preparation for the upcoming rivalry game occurring on Saturday, Oct. 27.  Although the football game is often the focus during the week, the rivalry extends beyond the goal lines, as both schools are competing to raise funds for charity organizations within their communities. This year’s funds go toward the Replenish Food Pantry, an on-campus charity tasked with assisting students who may be struggling with food insecurity. 

Student Senate VP of Campus Affairs Carter Engler sees the events as an opportunity to bring students, faculty and alumni closer together and demonstrate how generous GVSU is in supporting local charities that help those within the region. 

“This game is so important because we are rivals  —  not just because of the differing names, but each team plays a hard ball game and brings in a great fan base and school spirit moral boost,” Engler said. “This particular rivalry is significant because since it’s the most talked about and attended game, both schools have agreed to make the very best of this event by using the publicity to gain a better connection between students, alumni, local businesses and the surrounding community to fund raise for their own charity of choice.”

Student Senate Executive VP Morgan Mattler said that although the football rivalry has existed for much longer, the charity competition has become increasingly competitive, with both schools eager to beat the other when it comes to fundraising. 

“There is a different feeling on campus during this week, as there is both anticipation for the football game, but more importantly a sense of motivation to out-fundraise Saginaw Valley through the annual charity competition,” Mattler said.

A number of events are planned for the week, including a corn maze fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 26 as well as a Pie Day. 

“We have events we use [every year] along with new events,” Engler said. “Some returning events are our Pie Day where volunteers get a pie tin filled with ‘pie cream’ rubbed all over their face for a small price paid for by friends, roommates and pedestrians walking through the building. Last year we did a Paint N’ Sip and are revamping this event with Spotlight Productions to have a Pumpkin Paint ‘N Sip to get into the holiday spirit.”

A number of local restaurants will also donate a percent of their earnings to the cause. Buffalo Wild Wings, Applebee’s and Uccello’s will all participate in the fundraising week, illustrating a community-wide effort to beat Saginaw Valley State. 

Both Engler and Mattler emphasized the importance of student involvement during the week and look to past Battle of the Valleys as proof that the students, faculty and alumni of GVSU are eager to help fundraise for local causes, especially when competing with a school rival. The duo said that students are encouraged to attend campus events and give their time and effort, as beating SVSU involves not only scoring touchdowns but raising money for a cause that will impact lives on campus.