Tigers Helping Tigers fundraising event features performing artists

RIT is hosting a virtual event this month to raise money for the COVID-19 Emergency Fund, Division of Diversity and Inclusion General Support Fund, and other funds that directly impact students.

Tigers Helping Tigers: An Event to Move Students Forward will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 25. The 90-minute event will include pre-recorded performances from RIT students and student groups and be streamed via RIT’s livestream service, Facebook Live, and YouTube. Advance registrations are being taken.

Participating groups include the Ukulele Club, Vocal Accent, RIT Cheerleading, RIT Game Symphony Orchestra, RIT Steelband Ensemble, Gospel Ensemble, RIT Philharmonic Orchestra, RIT Flute Ensemble and 8 Beat Measure, among others. Individual students are performing as well.

 “In addition to fundraising to meet important student and university needs, the livestream also gives us the opportunity to show off the exceptional talent of our students,” said Phil Castleberry, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations. “The audience will be impressed by the ingenuity these Tigers are bringing to their performances, many of whom have come up with original content specifically for the event and have had to execute their performances while also social distancing.”

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Elizabeth Lamark

Tori Covell, a third-year graphic design major and a dancer, will be participating in the event. Covell won first place in the inaugural President Munson’s Performing Challenge in 2018.

Tori Covell, a third-year graphic design major from Jacksonville, Ill., will be dancing a new piece to “Human” by Christina Perri.

“I wanted to participate in this event to share my story,” Covell said. “I hope to send a reminder to and inspire the community to keep fighting through hard times.”

Along with the COVID-19 Emergency fund and Division of Diversity and Inclusion General Support Fund, money raised will support financial aid, performing arts, and RIT’s Area of Greatest Need fund.

More than $150,000 has been raised for the COVID-19 Emergency Fund to date. That money has been distributed to hundreds of students helping them pay their bills, including rent and groceries, as well as buy laptops for remote learning.

RIT is in the middle of Transforming RIT: The Campaign for Greatness. This blended campaign seeks support from a variety of investors, including alumni and friends, government and corporate partners, and research foundations and agencies. The campaign has raised $700 million of the $1 billion goal.

“I hope the level of the RIT community’s generosity will match the talent that will be on display June 25 as these students deserve our support,” Castleberry said.