Wheaton Athletic Mentors to host The Big Event, proceeds to benefit New Hope Shelter

NORTON, MA- The Wheaton Athletic Mentors, a leadership group of student-athletes from each of the college's 21 varsity sports programs, will host ''The Big Event'' to promote sobriety among college students and to contribute to the local community. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the New Hope Shelter in Attleboro.

The two-day program, which begins on Friday, February 11, is designed to raise awareness about alcohol abuse by establishing a ''dry'' weekend on campus and sponsoring numerous fun events and activities for students. As part of the effort, the college will not issue approval for any events that include alcohol service during the weekend; the campus pub, The Loft, also will not serve alcohol.

A full schedule of events are planned for both evenings, starting with a jazz band in the Balfour-Hood Atrium on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. The Vagina Monologues by Abby Russell in the Chapel, a BACCHUS movie in Hindle Auditorium and midnight breakfast and open microphone night in Chase Round will conclude the evening's festivities. On Saturday night, The Vagina Monologues and the BACCHUS movie return at 7:30 p.m. followed by fun, games and music in the Haas Athletic Center. Games include a mechanical bull, dunk tank, air volleyball, bungee run, sumo wrestling, giant slide and pedestal jousting.

The Wheaton Athletic Mentors (WAM's) are selling bracelets for the event for $1 apiece and are accepting donations for people to show their support.

The purpose of the WAM's is to provide a forum for the student-athletes and to serve as a liaison between the student-athletes and the Wheaton administration at the academic and athletic levels. The WAM's design and implement programs to encourage academic achievement, health promotion and social responsibility to enhance the student-athlete
experience.

New Hope Shelter has provided assistance and resources for families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault since 1979. The shelter offers a variety of individual and family support services through six complementary programs. New Hope is a non-profit human service agency with over 25 years of experience in assisting people in crisis and delivering innovative quality service. Their efforts are made possible by funding from government contracts, the United Way, donations from business, civic, and church groups, as well as the generosity of individuals - both as donors and as volunteers.

Sponsors of the event include the Academic Risk Resources &
Insurance, LLC, the Dean of Students Office, Department of Athletics, Koster
Insurance, Office of the President, Programming Council, Venture Fund and the
Wheaton College Dining Services.