Light Up Night offers food, fun and philanthropy

For a taste of free food, live music and arts and crafts, almost 3,000 students attended the… For a taste of free food, live music and arts and crafts, almost 3,000 students attended the Student Government Board and Division of Student Affairs’ Light Up Night on Tuesday.

Liz Blasi started this annual event last year as her board project for SGB.

“I think it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season,” Blasi said, adding that she advertised Light Up Night by sending out an e-mail to every organization on campus.

An ice sculpture of the Cathedral and a light display that lasted all night recognized the symbolism of lights in many cultures this time of year.

The event represented holidays such as the Muslim holiday Ramadan, the Hindu holiday Diwali, the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, the Catholic holiday Feast of St. Nicholas, the Christian holiday Christmas, the African-American and Pan-African holiday Kwanzaa and the Chinese New Year.

SGB advisor Joyce Giangarlo said, “It’s fun to recognize all the holidays because they’re all about lights.”

Groups such as the Hindu Student Council, Hillel and Chabad and BAS set up tables with cultural food, information and a service project or activity.

Rhajiv Ratnatunga, President of Hindu Student Council, said, “We don’t have too many multicultural events. All of the organizations always have their own celebrations.”

While serving traditional Hindu dishes such as samosa, fried cauliflower and tofu, he added, “Most of the people didn’t even know what the foods were, which was awesome.”

As she served potato pancakes and jelly donuts at the Hanukkah table, Hannah Abelman said, “We’re making gift boxes for hospital patients that we’ll deliver sometime next week.”

Other service projects included Make a Wish, organized by Chi Omega and Zeta Beta Tau; Teddies 4 Tots, organized by Sigma Delta Tau and Cards for Kids, organized by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Sigma Pi.

Students enjoyed performances by Jacob Vanzin, Peace Ike, Handbell Ensemble, Heinz Chapel Choir, Pitt Pendulums, Pitt Dance Ensemble, Sounds of Pleasure and Some of God’s Children while making cookie mason jars, s’mores or alma mater ornaments.

“I’m making a gingerbread house because I haven’t had the opportunity in a long time,” student Noah Dougherty said.

Jared Solomon, also working on the house, added, “It’s just good to see so many students so happy before finals week.”

After collecting free Pitt pride bracelets and T-shirts from the Panther Pitt, students could participate in Phi Eta Sigma’s fund-raising silent auction.

“Everything we’re auctioning was donated to us,” said president Amy Olesnevich. “We’re here because we wanted to join the community organizations on campus.”

According to Blasi, the night was a huge success. This year, the turnout was double that of last year.

Mary Kell, a sophomore waiting in line for BAS’ soul food said, “When I think lights, I think holiday season.”