University event brings in thousands of stuffed animals for charity
Over 2,000 stuffed animals were collected on Jan. 15 at an Augusta University (AU) men's basketball game after they were tossed onto the court at a Stuff the Stadium event. Staff photo by Erin Weeks.
Thousands of stuffed animals filled the Christenberry Fieldhouse basketball court on Jan. 15 at an Augusta University (AU) men’s basketball game during the fourth annual Stuff the Stadium event.
There were 2,056 total stuffed animals tossed onto the court during the AU v. Flagler game at the moment of the Jaguars’ first basket. All of the stuffed toys were then collected from the court to be distributed to charities and schools.
Thousands of stuffed animals were collected for charity at an Augusta University men’s basketball game after they were tossed onto the court. Staff video by Erin Weeks.
Student involvement
The relatively new tradition encourages fans to get involved during the game while supporting a good cause.
Ja’Meiah Jones and Taija Johnson with AU’s Black Student Union are both seniors and said that they looked forward to this year’s teddy bear toss and enjoyed participating in previous years as well.
“All the bears get donated,” said Jones about the event.
Augusta University’s mascot, Augustus the Jaguar, showed his excitement on the court surrounded by thousands of stuffed animals which were collected for charity. Staff photo by Erin Weeks.
Student organization participation
Many of the students who brought stuffed animals to throw were part of sororities, fraternities and other student organizations. Jones said that an underlying competition stands between each of these groups, as they all hope each year to bring the highest number of stuffed animals.
“Basically, each board tries to have the most bears,” said Jones.
Augusta University’s sororities, fraternities and other student organizations participated in the fourth annual Stuff the Stadium event of Jan. 15. Pictured are members of the college’s Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Staff photo by Erin Weeks.
Photo gallery
Thousands of stuffed animals were collected for charity at an Augusta University men’s basketball game after they were tossed onto the court. Staff photo by Erin Weeks. Some students brought individual stuffed animals to Augusta University’s Stuff the Stadium event, while others brought bags full. Staff photo by Erin Weeks. Stuffed animals were collected from the court after the toss, and will be donated to charities and schools. Staff photo by Erin Weeks. Some students brought individual stuffed animals to Augusta University’s Stuff the Stadium event, while others brought bags full. Staff photo by Erin Weeks.
Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Augusta Press. She covers education in the CSRA.
Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, "Origins of My Love," was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022.
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