This past Friday, there was a joint philanthropy event between Russell Sage College and the Interfraternity Council of RPI as a part of the March Troy Night Out. It was an Easter egg hunt spanning from the Approach down to Russell Sage Park. About 15 Troy businesses, including the Arts Center, participated by allowing eggs to be hidden in their buildings to promote business and the community atmosphere of Troy Night Out. A typical scene had patrons waiting patiently in line at a fried dough tent, spying a pastel shape hiding in the grass just nearby. The egg was collected, its contents looted, and life continued in a slightly sweeter manner.
Unlike most hunts of its kind, this event was targeted toward college students and adults. There was a total of around 2,300 scattered eggs filled with chocolate and other assorted candies. Hidden amongst the sweet treasures, though, were larger prizes in special golden eggs. Local businesses donated gift certificates valuing up to $50 to be found by the crowds.
The entire event was impressively organized by RPI’s own Ken Hutchison ’11 and Sage’s Amanda Levesque. Volunteers were expertly coordinated and divided into zones so that all ground was covered and constantly populated with treasures. Eggs were distributed based upon a statistical analysis of demand over time, with graphs handed out to volunteers prior to the event. There was heavy involvement from both Acacia and Pi Kappa Phi fraternities, with an equal number of Sage students. Along with the eggs, bags were handed out to passersby to collect the eggs in.
Residents of the Troy area were seen going for multiple hours, searching for eggs casually as they strolled through town. Troy Night Out also progressed with the usual fare and guest appearances by RPI’s a capella groups at the Arts Center. The normal atmosphere of Troy Night Out was not compromised by the hunt; if anything, it was enhanced.
The event was a raging success, serving as a philanthropy opportunity for local college students and a chance for the residents of Troy to see what we’re capable of.
