Celebration of dorm's 50 years benefits child
C. Spencer Beggs
News Writer
This weekend, the 180 residents of Fisher Hall plan to show how the dorm's presence on campus since 1952 can make a difference for one family.
The 50-year-old residence hall will commemorate its golden anniversary by presenting "50's at Fisher," a benefit event for the family of Adam Greenwood, a second-year law student at Notre Dame.
Greenwood's daughter Betsy, just over one year old, was diagnosed with a brain tumor last May. "50's at Fisher" will raise money to help alleviate the cost of treating Betsy's condition.
"50's at Fisher" was originally scheduled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Fisher Hall, but organizers decided to make the event a benefit for the Greenwood family when they were informed about the situation.
"We had been planning on celebrating our 50 years as a dorm and, basically, we wanted to put on an event for campus. But, when we heard about the situation there was a plea for dorms to help raise money and we thought, `Why not combine the two?' It's a perfect opportunity," Fisher assistant rector Tony Desapio said. "The administration and facilities have been really supportive."
The fundraiser, which revolves around the number "50," will feature a 50-hour roof-sit, where 11 members of the hall staff — including the rector and both priests-in-residence, Father Richard Warner and Father Tim Scully — will take turns sitting on the roof of the dorm for 50 straight hours, rain or shine. At least two members of hall staff will occupy space on the roof at any given time.
The University has pledged to donate $50 to the Greenwood family on behalf of each dorm that has 50 residents visit the benefit. Members of the Student Bar Association of the Notre Dame Law School also recently teamed up last month to raise money for Betsey by sponsoring the Dean Links Hoop Classic.
Fisher also will hold a silent auction for a Time Magazine with U2's Bono on the cover autographed by the Irish band's lead singer. Other prizes throughout the evening include autographed copies of one of former head football coach Lou Holtz's books.
The dorm will have live music from The Kinky Boot Beasts, kicking off with their 50-song pop medley, and have refreshments available. Fisher residents will also perform Fisher's "Feats of Strength," including eating 50 raw eggs and a 50-lap tricycle race.
"One guy said if someone donates a dollar, he'll eat a donut," said sophomore Joe Caruso, a Fisher resident.
Since "50" will be the number of significance for the weekend, Caruso added that the same student said he would eat at least 50 donuts, provided that people keep donating.
"50's at Fisher" will begin at 7:50 p.m. tonight in front of Fisher Hall and run until 9:50 p.m. Sunday night. The Kinky Boot Beasts will play at 8:50 p.m., followed by the feats of strength and a big screen presentation of a 1988 championship season highlights video while attempting to create a tailgate atmosphere.
The staff will be accepting donations all weekend and all proceeds will go to the Greenwood family.
Though residents want to keep this year's celebration as a benefit for the Greenwoods, Fisher co-president Ryan Bui said he envisions 51-hour and 52-hour roof-sits for future anniversaries.
"We might have this as our second signature event [along with the Fisher Regatta in the spring]," he said.
Helena Payne contributed to this article.
All News Stories for Friday, October 4, 2002
