Photos by Joe Kerlin
North Dakota State University Student-Athlete Advisory Council’s (SAAC) mission is to enhance the student-athlete experience by engaging them within the community. This year, SAAC did this through several avenues in Fargo. SAAC consists of two representatives from each program. Here’s some of the work they did in the community this season.
Being in SAAC and giving back to a community who gives us so much is so rewarding.” – Jacquelyn Sertic, Vice President
Ronald McDonald House
SAAC was tasked with furnishing the Game Room at Fargo’s new Ronald McDonald House near the new Sanford Hospital. The brand new building has the perfect touch of Bison thanks to SAAC and its donors Ashley Furniture and the NDSU Bookstore.
The Ronald McDonald House provides a place for families to call home when their children are being treated in a hospital nearby. According to their website, they are built on the idea that nothing else matters when a family is focused on the health of their child.
The NDSU-themed game room in Fargo consists of three leather recliners with two cup-holders each. There’s an NDSU Bison rug with matching pillow set in front of a television. Of course SAAC had to hook-up the kids with a Playstation. There’s also and NDSU football lego set featuring Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.
Oh, and there’s a Star Wars pinball machine because the force is strong in this game room.
Youthworks
SAAC collected toys and cash donations for the Toy Drive throughout the winter sports season. They donated the toys and cash to Youthworks of North Dakota.
Youthworks helps homeless, runaway, trafficked and struggling kids and teenagers in North Dakota. SAAC’s donation went directly to the Youthworks offices in Fargo to help these kids overcome their challenges.
To donate, visit rmhc.org/donate or impactgiveback.org/app/#/charity/38
