For the past four years, Saginaw Valley State University has triumphed in the Battle of the Valleys fundraising competition, and this year, the Cardinals tacked yet another victory to their record. While Grand Valley State University raised about $1,100 for the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, SVSU raised over $30,000 for its charity, Great Lakes Bay Miracle League.

Despite the defeat, the GVSU Student Senate is still proud to have supported its charity.

“Raising money for a charity is a wonderful thing, and to be able to give back to a charity that gives so much, is a wonderful feeling,” said Jennie Hlady, who is part of the Grand Valley State University Student Senate’s political affairs committee.

GVSU’s charity this year is an organization that helps families who have been affected by a mental illness or disease. It also aims to educate people about mental diseases. Its tagline, “Stomp Out Stigma,” was also on the Battle of the Valleys shirts that were sold at GVSU last week.

“In my personal opinion, it is important for students to care about Battle of the Valleys for multiple reasons,” said Lindsay Viviano, vice president of public relations. “First off, we as Laker nation should care to raise the most money for a local charity. After all, that’s what the whole week is about.”

The main fundraising events were the Run with Love 5K, Pie a Senator, and t-shirt sales, which Vivano said was the most successful fundraiser.

“Next year more people should get involved with Battle of the Valleys,” Hlady said. “It’s a great week, and it all goes to a great cause.”
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