Party or Philanthropy?

St Andrews is known for its posh events, lavish parties, and a general ‘rah’ culture, and sadly, it is almost impossible to deny these stereotypes. In the marketing of our (Charity) fashion shows and balls, emphasis is placed on the event rather than why it’s happening. We hear more about how great the bands/venues/clothes are going to be and all the free stuff we’re going to get etc. etc. The fact that we’re sometimes spending £70-£100 on tickets to raise money for a great cause is pushed onto the backburner.

But charity does play an important role in St Andrews culture and many of our best events are held for this very reason. When we decided to research ‘cash spent vs. funds raised’ by our biggest St Andrews events, we have to admit: our approach was fuelled by scepticism. Who doesn’t want to write the groundbreaking scandal of the week? We were all set to uncover the irresponsible management of funds by self-centered committees, more interested in promoting themselves than their charities. So we were surprised to find out just how much these events do raise. So much is spent on the events to encourage as many people to go as possible, so that they can generate a great deal of profit for their charities. Here are examples of just a few:

*DONT WALK is still tallying up their total, this is only a preliminary estimate for the year as it does not include their auction, online store, bake sales or the donations from their sponsors.

**The Kate Kennedy Club is evidently too busy to send more than an automated response to any of our fundraising inquiries.

Another huge event is FS, which, as the largest student-run fashion show in the UK, fittingly finds its home in fashionista St Andrews. In the past FS has raised about £10,000 a year but this year it has greatly expanded efforts and headed a second night in Edinburgh as well as several other campaigns. Over the course of their ten month campaign in partnership with the Muir Maxwell Trust, they were able to raise over £150,000 in support of the families of children with epilepsy.

In addition to these events is the University of St Andrews Charities Campaign, of which, as students, we are all automatically members. They raise money for six charities – voted for by students – through many campaigns, their most successful being Race2 and RAG Week. You’ve gotta give them credit, not only are they able to convince hundreds of students that hitchhiking with moody couples and smelly truck-drivers is a good idea, but they are able to turn it into a huge fundraiser. This year they collected over £34,000 for Race2 and £21,000 from RAG Week alone.

The charities campaign stands apart from all private committees because as a subcommittee of the University, their use of funds is constantly monitored. They have a “£1 in £3+ out” policy; for every pound spent at least three must be raised. This sets it apart from many of the other events. Last year, in conjunction with other charitable groups, they were able to raise over £90,000 to support the association charities.

While few other events can boast this much success, either through total earned or the percentage given to charity, at the end of the night every committee provides a vital function for both student and charity. These events are significant dates in the social calendar while raising money for honourable causes. Perhaps St Andrews is as posh and extravagant as people say… (sigh) but the organisers of these events certainly take advantage of this in a wonderfully altruistic way.