Habitat for Humanity: Commodore Trot 5k
Vanderbilt’s Habitat for Humanity chapter annually hosts a 5k (3.1 miles) run/walk fundraiser called the Commodore Trot. All proceeds from the race go to benefit the chapter’s build fund, which will be used to sponsor a Habitat house under Vanderbilt’s name.
Habitat for Humanity is an international philanthropic organization that aims to end substandard housing problems. The mission statement of Vandy’s chapter is as follows:
“We, the Vanderbilt chapter of Habitat for Humanity, exist to serve the community by building affordable housing, encouraging awareness, and increasing volunteerism in an effort to end homelessness. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with the people in need and community volunteers to build decent, affordable housing. The houses built are then sold at a no profit price and with no interest charged.
In an effort to be more environmentally conscious and benefit the Nashville community, our organization is raising funds to build a LEED certified Habitat house sponsored by Vanderbilt. To build a LEED certified home, it costs $60,000 and we are striving to raise these funds within the next two years!”
I have been involved with Vandy’s chapter since my first semester freshman year because I used to volunteer a lot with my high school’s chapter. This is my second year as a co-director of fundraising and our biggest fundraiser each year is the Commodore Trot 5k. This year the Commodore Trot 5k took place on October 26, coinciding with the Student Recreation Center‘s Wellness Bash!
It is stressful to plan involving contacting countless organizations on campus including the Student Rec Center, the Athletics department, Vanderbilt Dining, and the VUPD…to name a few. Each year we ask other student organizations around campus to “sponsor” the Commodore Trot by pledging 5, 10, or 20 runners from their group. The more runners your group pledges, the larger that organization’s name will appear on the back of the t-shirt we hand out to runners at the race.
We also, got a large discount from Las Paletas for the popsicles we gave runners at the end of the race!
It was stressful, but definitely worth it! Especially since we raked in over $3000 for our build fund!