Peace SAAC Jumpstarts Pennies Campaign
February 9, 2010

Durham, NC -- The Peace College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) jumpstarted its Pennies for a Purpose campaign with a volunteer session early Tuesday morning at the 16th Annual Mix 101.5 WRAL-FM Radiothon for Duke Children's Hospital.  Six Pacers traveled to Durham for a 5:30-9:00 am shift at the phone bank accepting pledges.  SAAC President Leilani Ostiguy and soccer student-athlete organized the event.  "This was a time to engage ourselves into the organization we are donating to this year. The experience was heartwarming just knowing the difference we will be making with every penny collected," commented Ostiguy. 

The Peace volunteer group also included Melissa Moran, club secretary and soccer player; Kendra Yearick, first-year softball pitcher; and Elizabeth Evanoff and Leah Chandler, both volleyball players.  Wendy Jones, assistant director of athletics, participated with the members as well.  All Peace participants were first-time radiothon volunteers, and the group plans to continue this tradition next year.

Student-athletes plan to collect change with a variety of creative ways through March 31 when the competition officially ends.  Change bandits, raffle sales, silent auction, and other events will encourage the Peace community to give back. 

The USA South Athletic Conference SAAC initiated the annual community service project Pennies for a Purpose campaign in Spring 2008.  Member institutions collect loose change during the spring competition and donate the collection to any local organization.  Peace College was named the inaugural Pennies champ in 2008 with a collection totaling more than $1080.  The conference has contributed more than $7000 across the region in the two-year history. 

What is SAAC?
The mission of the Peace College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity for all student-athletes; protecting student-athlete welfare; and fostering a positive student-athlete image, while maintaining the tenants of the Division III philosophy.

Purpose
The SAAC is committed to representing the concerns of athletes at Peace College while striving to improve sportsmanship and unity by sponsoring various activities that will bring all sports together to support one another. We also aim to create a bridge between faculty, administration. student athletes, and the surrounding community.

1. To promote communication between student-athletes and the Administration in an effort to offer suggestions that address the needs of student-athletes.
2. To facilitate better communication between athletic teams.
3. To encourage involvement of student-athletes in campus and community projects.
4. To provide programs for student-athletes which will encourage academic achievement, health promotion, social responsibility, and general awareness.
5. To increase awareness on campus of athletic events and to continue to support fellow athletes in competition during athletic events.


• SAAC Student Handbook