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Carnival for a Cause Brings Food, Fun and Support to UTulsa
Campus event blends a festive atmosphere with a drive to support students facing food insecurity
On April 18, the Pat Case Dining Center at the University of Tulsa became a lively scene of games, music, and community spirit during “Carnival for a Cause,” a campus event that blended a festive atmosphere with a drive to support students facing food insecurity.
Organized in partnership with the Student Government Association and the True Blue Pantry, the event welcomed students who donated five non-perishable food items or $5 to gain full access to the afternoon’s activities. Those who attended without a donation were still able to participate at the standard dining rate, making the event accessible to all.
The back room of the dining center was transformed with bright decorations, upbeat music, and a range of carnival-style attractions. Students enjoyed a playful menu featuring chili cheese dogs, hamburgers with customizable toppings, carnival cheese fries, pickle pizza, giant pretzels with nacho cheese, and a classic popcorn bar. A new cotton candy machine offered colorful treats in flavors like Piña Colada, Bubble Gum, and Blue Raspberry, while a snow cone station with condensed milk toppings and a dessert spread of fried donut holes, brownies, and ice cream completed the offerings.
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Interactive activities kept the energy high throughout the event. Inflatable skee ball, a football toss, safe axe throwing, and a photo booth with festive props gave students plenty of ways to take part in the fun. T-shirt giveaways provided an extra incentive for those who contributed to the pantry.
Student volunteers made a major impact behind the scenes, helping organize food donations, staff the food stations, and manage the games. Their participation added to the event’s welcoming, collaborative environment.
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By the end of the afternoon, students had donated over 330 non-perishable food items and contributed more than $130 in cash donations to support the True Blue Pantry. Attendance topped 250, with students gathering not just to enjoy the food and festivities, but to make a difference within their own community.
“Carnival for a Cause” reflected the spirit of the University of Tulsa — a campus where service, leadership, and creativity are part of everyday life.