RIT Tigers for Tigers – mobilizing athletes for a cause

A little background on the Rochester Institute of Technology: Matt Miles is an executive board member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which is a committee that promotes their athletic teams and encourages student-athletes to be more involved in the community. SAAC really liked the idea that they would be saving their mascot from extinction, especially since the athletes have such a strong tie to tigers. Overall, the SAAC decided to fundraise for tigers at the local Seneca Park Zoo and in the wild. RIT’s Tigers for Tigers (T4T) members are constantly working to spread awareness of the plight of their mascot around campus. Throughout the year, a couple of 5K races are held to do just that.

An annual 5K is held in the fall, the Brick City 5K, which is in honor of homecoming and all the festivities. To raise awareness of the newly developed initiative, T4T invited all RIT student-athletes to run with t-shirts displaying the National Tigers for Tigers Coalition’s logo.  This event turned out to be a huge success with over 140 student-athletes running and they raised $250.   Dr. Karey Pine, the Senior Director of the Center for Campus Life, provided the t-shirts and matched the initial contribution of athlete donations. This was also a very special kick-off event because Sean Carnell attended and gave a brief overview of national coalition’s mission at the start of the race.

A second 5K, the FreezeFest 5K, was held in the spring with over 200 participants. What made this year stand out from the previous years was that the goal of the race was to raise money for the Seneca Park Zoo and the Panthera – Save the Tiger Fund.  Originally, the FreezeFest proceeds have gone to RIT athletic teams. Amazingly, the goal was met, and all $925 from the race went towards the tigers.

Overall, RIT’s Tigers for Tigers has raised over $1000 this year!  Matt was ecstatic with the turn out of both events and the money raised in the process. Way to go RIT!For more information about RIT Tigers for Tigers, visit their facebook page to find out how you can get involved today. 

Want to see more photos from the event? Visit the National Tigers for Tigers Coalition's facebook page.