KINGSTON, R.I. – October 19, 2016 — This evening University of Rhode Island students will be running nearly bare around the Kingston Campus quadrangle – all for a good cause, of course.
The Student Alumni Association, supported by the URI Alumni Association, will host its annual Nearly Naked Mile run, a fun twist on a clothing drive to benefit the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale, Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m.
With the motto “Running (Nearly) Bare Because We Care,” the purpose of the event, besides collecting clothing for the less fortunate, is to show students what it feels like to be outside with limited clothing, a problem for hundreds of people throughout the state.
In this Q&A, we asked Hadley Albanese, a URI senior and the URI Student Alumni Association’s director of the Nearly Naked Mile, to tell us more about the event and how students can get involved.
What is the Nearly Naked Mile?
The Nearly Naked Mile is an event designed to raise awareness about the difficulties some people face when they don’t have the appropriate attire for the fall and winter seasons in Rhode Island. At URI’s Nearly Naked Mile event, students come to the Quad fully clothed and then moments before the race, they strip down and run one mile around campus. The clothes they took off then get donated to the Jonnycake Center in Peace Dale.
What is the Jonnycake Center?
The Jonnycake Center is a nonprofit located near URI. The mission of the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families by providing comprehensive assistance to those in need of food, clothing, and household items and through individual and systemic advocacy for clients.
How could this event inspire students to perform acts of community service?
The Nearly Naked Mile could inspire students to inspire acts of community service through showcasing that giving to those in need does not need to be a difficult thing to do and can be incredibly fun too! This event specifically raises awareness of how we are helping people in our surrounding community. So seeing the direct correlation is a unique thing for everyone involved!
How do students sign up for the Nearly Naked Mile?
Students can register by going online at URISAA.ORG, but you can also register at the event!
This release was written by Cory Woodbine, an intern in the Department of Marketing and Communications.