When we launched the Keep It! Campaign, one of the core ideas was that our success or failure would be directly related to how well we were able to harness the “Power of Ten”.
The key to this strategy was the idea of multiplication. Raising funds is certainly critical, but it’s even more important to “Keep It Going!” by connecting others to the cause. As we have moved forward, a number of key individuals have helped us to unlock the “Power of Ten”. Their stories are as diverse as they are inspiring. Each has connected a wide range of people to the project, raised significant funds to support the cause, and brought their own personal talents and interests to the project. Through a new feature entitled “Keep It! Going”, we will salute these champions by sharing their stories and recognizing their contribution with a simple keychain created by the children of Ivory Park.
Todd Slobodnyak and the Zombies of Westminster “Keep It Going!”
At Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA, Humans are fighting for survival, and this time, the opponent is more threatening than a mid-term chemistry exam. Zombies are on the loose, and their main objective is to tag as many Humans as possible. With socks and Nerf guns as their only instruments of defense, Humans are losing ground. Fortunately for them, there are no real losers on this battlefield. Instead, the efforts of Humans and Zombies alike have resulted in a victory for the Keep It! Campaign.
College student Todd Slobodnyak is the organizer for the Westminster version of Humans vs. Zombies (HvZ), a trendy game of moderated tag that is spreading through campuses across the nation. Slobodnyak explains that the popularity of HvZ has made it a perfect way to raise funds and awareness for the Keep It! Campaign. He describes the fundraiser as a week-long, campus-wide game of tag. Last fall, Slobodynak and the HvZ crew raised $350 for the cause. He plans to hold the event once a semester and hopes to earn at least $700 in donations during the upcoming spring competition.
Students at Westminster College team up for Ivory Park in a spirited game of Humans vs. Zombies.
Slobodnyak first learned about Keep It! through his work with the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils and PASC alum and Keep It! founder Bob Tryanski. “When I was in high school, I was a PASC delegate for three years. Now as an alum, I try my best to help out by giving back,” he says. “Bob Tryanski has been a good friend and a role model. When I heard about the Keep It! Campaign, I wanted to get involved. It’s a great program with a great purpose.”
In addition to his support of the campaign, Slobodnyak has found other ways to stay connected to his leadership roots. He is a valuable staff member at the PASC Advanced Gold summer workshops and has agreed to serve as a mentor to a PASC Regional Representative throughout the 2011 Keep It! Dodgeball Tournament contest.
“Todd’s commitment to the Keep It! Campaign is the perfect example of how you can harness the Power of Ten,” says Campaign founder, Bob Tryanski. “It goes way beyond merely making a difference. Todd has harnessed his connections with PASC alums, PASC workshop delegates and staff, and brought them together with his swim team, student organizations, and other friends at Westminster. Those connections have broadened our network of support for Ivory Park and helped us to discover this great project model – the HvZ tournament as a way to ‘Keep It Going’ on college campuses.”
When he is not herding Zombies or working with the PASC, Slobodnyak is an avid swimmer and busy college student. He is currently pursuing a degree in marine biology with a minor in secondary education and is considering a career in aquatic ecology. Whether he is serving as a mentor to student leaders or organizing a fundraiser in support of a community, Slobodnyak is always looking for ways to give back. Wherever his future path might lead, it is certain that it will be shaped by his altruistic nature and a winning desire to serve. The Keep It! Campaign is proud to honor Todd Slobodnyak, a campaign champion who “Keeps It Going!”
For tips on organizing a Humans vs. Zombies fundraiser to benefit the Keep It! Campaign, contact Todd Slobodnyak at slobodtd@westminster.edu.