WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 25, 2019 — West Liberty University students are planning to “Stuff the Dog House” on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019 at the men’s and women’s basketball games held at the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC).
The goal is to raise money and donations for Jefferson County Humane Society (JCHS), which strives to improve the lives of animals, alleviate their suffering, and elevate their status in society, according to its website.
There is a second goal though and that is to demonstrate public relations skills learned by WLU students in the College of Arts and Communication‘s public relations program.
“Stuff the Dog House was created by six of us who are public relations majors. We are using it for our senior capstone project,” explained Yijing Shen, who is an international student from China.
Other students involved in the capstone project include: Lindsay Dowdle, Zahir Hicks, Kendrick Jackson, Mackenzie Rae and Sammie Stewart.
The group’s goal is to demonstrate how public relations can and does benefit society beyond the strictly informational nature of the work.
“We have planned every detail of the event. We will also run the event on February 27,” said Shen.
“Hilltopper Athletics supports the cause and we are grateful for their assistance,” she added.
Stuff the Dog House will be run in succession with the Hilltoppers basketball doubleheader against Notre Dame College. Stuff the Dog House and the women’s basketball game both begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The fundraiser will consist of a gift raffle, voluntary donation area, photo opportunity with Topper the Bear and an information table. There will also be an Instagram posting activity.
Raffle tickets can be purchased at the JCHS information table adjacent to the concession stand. All proceeds will be donated to JCHS.
Raffle tickets cost $5 for six tickets, $10 for an arm length, or donate an item to benefit JCHS and receive two tickets.
Three prizes will be raffled including a handcrafted doghouse, a Hilltopper basketball team-autographed basketball and a WLU apparel gift basket.
Winners will be announced at halftime (arrangements may be made to transport the doghouse).
Guests also are encouraged to donate items that will benefit JCHS, according to Shen, and those doing so will receive two free raffle tickets.
Suggested items to donate include: canned kitten food, kitten chow, puppy food, kitten replacer milk, kitten bottles, bleach, paper towels, linens/towels, laundry detergent, puppy pads, litterboxes, treats, pet shampoo/conditioner, heating pads and appropriate pet toys.
For more information, please contact Shen at 304-905-2477.
For more information on the Public Relations Major at WLU, please click here.