By Thompson Perry
By his own admission, Vince Cain was “all over the place” on Friday night at the Red Barn.
When he wasn’t preparing food or organizing canned goods, he was working with the seven bands the venue featured that night or working the door.
If he didn’t get to stop and enjoy the music for a moment or munch on the food arrangement offered, it was because he was busy ensuring the success of Lambda Chi Alpha’s first annual Chopstock music festival, an event that collected funds and canned goods to benefit Dare to Care food bank.
“I think that all of our students understand philanthropy and how beneficial it is to our community but I don’t think they understand how effective we can be,” said Cain. “Granted, most college students don’t have extra money to be donated to good charities, but we have so much man power on this campus that, if we all got on the same page, we could do big, big things.”
The night of music, food and fellowship provided a glimpse at the power of university students to do just that, and students responded by contributing a total of 224 canned food items and $400 to the event’s cause.
“There’s a reason why our philanthropy’s motto is ‘Brothers Feeding Others.’ It’s something we’re simply called to do,” said Michael Oghia, a coordinator of the event. “And when the community gets better overall, it creates a better environment for everyone.”
The event, which lured students with musical performances including Marion Square and Justin Lewis, also provided an opportunity for those in attendance to improve their own community.
“I had a great time at Chopstock,” said freshman psychology major Adrien Bean. “The music was great, the people were cool.”
For Bean, though, the best part was the knowledge that the night had rewards that were broader in scope than merely a pleasant time after the first week of classes.
“It’s good to know that we raised money for a good cause,” said Bean. “It just makes the night so much more enjoyable.”
Oghia echoes this sentiment, saying that, although the music and food were strong selling points to their audience, the best part for all involved was the knowledge that they were making a real difference.
“It’s great that we benefit by getting our name out and entertaining our fellow students, but the real people who win are the ones that get to eat dinner one night because nowDare to Care is 224 cans richer,” said Oghia. “Maybe it’s a little idealistic, but regardless, it’s completely worth it.”
Though both have christened the event a success, Oghia and Cain are already looking forward to the event next year.
What can the University of Louisville community expect?
The two use the same word to describe their aspirations for the second Chopstock: “bigger.” In the meantime, though, they can share the sense of perspective that the Chopstock event has afforded them.
“We all take for granted how good we have it,” said Cain. “We like to complain about how expensive gas is and that tuition is getting higher every year. What about the people that go to bed hungry every night? Let’s spend some time making their lives easier and stop worrying about our petty issues.”
