It's Halloween time, and students at The University of Memphis can use their first chance to break out their costumes for a good cause.
Thursday night at Newby's on Highland, will be a benefit Costume Party for the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund.
The executive members of the Student Government Association are promoting the event. Senate Speaker Michael Lipe, President Omari Whyte and Vice President Brandon Gravley approached Newby's owner Todd Adams about the possibility of hosting the party.
Lipe said Adams was very helpful, and he was impressed with his generosity.
"Todd has been very supportive throughout the process," Lipe said. "He provided the venue, the band and is promoting it in the community as well. He really wants to see a good turnout so we can raise a lot of money."
Adams said he is pleased to be helping out such a good cause. He also is thrilled to be holding the event in conjunction with U of M students.
He said he has always tried to support The University, and he hopes other organizations will continue to look to Newby's for help.
"Newby's has been here for 30 years, and we love The U of M," he said. "I'm glad we were able to get this done, and we are hoping for a huge turnout to help those in need."
The restaurant is footing the bill for the band and the venue.
Usually there are costs associated with hosting an event like this, but Adams felt it was important to pay for things himself in order for all available money to go toward the effort.
The event will start at 9 p.m., and there will be a $5 entrance fee. All door proceeds are going directly to the hurricane relief fund. You must be at east 18 years old to enter and 21 to drink.
Costumes are not required, but they are highly encouraged. A costume contest will be held at 11 p.m., with Newby's grab bags going to the top three costumes. Gabby Johnson will provide live entertainment.
Although the executive members of the SGA are promoting the party, it is not an officially sponsored SGA event. Vice President Brandon Gravley said the organization was looking for fund-raising ideas when he proposed the hurricane relief party to the senate.
"We were wanting to do something for those people affected by the hurricane, and I thought this would be a great idea," he said. "However, the senate couldn't agree to it because it was being held at an alcoholic establishment."
Gravley said that while everyone was supportive of the concept, the senate was advised not to agree to the measure because of the possible problems associated with alcohol. After the measure wasn't adopted, he and the other members of the executive branch decided to host the party themselves, free of the SGA.
Student funds are not being used to host or promote the event.
Gravley and Lipe said they are hoping to draw more than 500 people to the party. Their goal is to raise at least $2,500 for the fund, but they also hope people enjoy themselves.
"We just want people to have a good time," Lipe said. "In the process, we will hopefully be helping a lot of people who need it."
