Author: Kayleigh Burnip

Using the Archie Griffin Ballroom for a Grand Cause: ATO Casino Night

While there are many opportunities to give back at Ohio State, what other event combines black-tie attire, gambling and raising money to end cancer?

blog casino night

Participants in Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) Casino Night will play a variety of casino-style games in the Grand Ballroom of the Ohio Union.  With a set amount of fake money, gamblers enter a raffle for many prizes including cruises, spa treatments and signed sports memorabilia among many other prizes.

 

This year’s event will be the 11th annual ATO Casino Night. Over the last 10 years, the event has been able to raise funds for the Tressel Family Fund for Cancer Prevention Research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center- James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

 

Each year, ATO sets the bar higher for their fundraising efforts. This year is no exception, as they have set their goal at $45,000 toward the fight against cancer, which will put Casino Night’s total contribution well over $250,000.

 

“Seeing every single one of my brothers working tirelessly to raise money, collect donations and sell tickets is quite amazing,” says Ian Rubini, the Vice President of Marketing for Casino Night. He adds that with Casino Night, the brothers of ATO as well as participants have the chance to “do something greater than [themselves]” and reach their goal to end cancer.

 

The event starts at 8 p.m. on February 27th. Tickets for Casino Night can be purchased online.

 

We’d love to hear about your favorite fundraising events that occur at the Ohio Union-be sure to leave a comment below!

Nuts about Buckeye Love

Plaque found on the 2 floor of the Ohio Union.

Plaque found on the 2 floor of the Ohio Union.

With Valentine’s Day upon us, love is truly in the air.

Or, is it on the walls of the Ohio Union?

In the spirit of the university-wide #BuckeyeLove campaign, we’re sharing the most romantic Ohio Union stories.

On Valentine’s Day in 2011, a student received help from the Ellen DeGeneres show to pull off the perfect proposal in the Ohio Union. Sam Clark, a then fourth-year International Studies major, proposed to his girlfriend of 5 years, Rachel, by surprising her with a Tweet and video from Ellen DeGeneres herself. Rachel watched the video while in the Ohio Union, where Sam appeared with a rose and a ring. The video has since accrued over 81,000 views!

Few people know all of the hundreds of intricacies in the Ohio Union. Of those hundreds, one is especially relevant to Valentine’s Day and a perfect example of the Ohio Union’s #BuckeyeLove! Lining the railing of the Great Hall, there are commemorative plaques for couples that met or fell in love in the Ohio Union. Check them out next time you walk through to grab lunch or study!

While the Ohio Union is a prime spot to study or catch up with friends, there are many other uses for the gathering spot—including weddings! Since opening in 2010, there have been over 50 weddings and receptions in the Ohio Union. There are over 30 spaces to accommodate you on your special day.

We’d love to hear your examples of #BuckeyeLove—comment below to share your Ohio Union love story!