The Appalachian Hunger Games
Coinciding with the release of “The Hunger Games,” one of this
season’s most highly anticipated movies, the inaugural Appalachian Hunger Games will take place
Friday, March 23, at 4 p.m. on Duck Pond Field on the Appalachian State University
campus.
Conceived and organized by the ASU Resident Assistants group and benefiting
Hospitality House, the Appalachian Hunger Games uses the popularity of the novels and the
anticipation for the movie to raise awareness about the growing number of people going hungry in the
High Country.
More than 200 cans of food have already been raised by the competitors,
and all spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the
Hospitality House and its Bread of Life Community Kitchen.
“This event is the perfect tie-in
for our local community,” said Todd Carter, Hospitality House director of development. “Using the
hype of the upcoming blockbuster to not only draw attention to our high rate of poverty but to
combat it with a food drive is genius. When Christopher from the ASU Residents Assistants approached
me with his brilliant idea, it was met with an immediate and enthusiastic ‘yes.’”
There will
be 24 tributes, comprised of ASU students, and each tribute will be equipped with a balloon and two
flag football belts. The arena will contain a variety of markers, Sharpies and shields. In order to
"die," a tribute's balloon must be popped, belt flags removed, and shirt marked on by any kind of
marker. The last person standing wins.
As an added incentive, all food and funds collected at
the Appalachian Hunger Games will count toward the Feinstein Challenge, raising Hospitality House
totals and increasing their dollar percentage of the $1 Million Dollar Hunger Giveaway.
Duck
Pond Field is located on Stadium Drive, just off Rivers Street on the Appalachian State University
campus. The public is welcome to attend. For more information, visit
http://www.facebook.com/events/275697982503692.
