Bashing cars for good cause

Amy Paterson / senior photographer Senior John Weatherley takes his turn with bashing the minivan during the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity's third annual Car Bash Friday on the commons. All donations taken during the event went to the United Way.

Students had the opportunity to let out their aggressions on a car for a good cause on the commons Friday.

The Kappa Delta Rho fraternity sponsored its third annual Car Bash, in which all the proceeds go to the Harrisonburg chapter of the United Way. "It always attracts a lot of attention," said junior John Calafiore, Kappa Delta Rho senior vice president.

For a $2 donation, students were able to use a sledge hammer to destroy a car. One could rip out the car's seats or make large dents on the car's exterior.

"People who participate have a lot of fun," said senior Scott Weckstein, Kappa Delta Rho junior vice president.

The car was donated from Aamco Priceless Rent-a-Car. Fraternity President John Weatherley, a senior, said the event usually occurs during Homecoming weekend. "We had problems getting a car earlier," he said. "But, Aamco was great and got us a car." He said the car was worth about $2,500.

Calafiore said Kappa Delta Rho members chose the United Way because they didn't think they received money from any other JMU organization and because it is a good cause.

The United Way's mission is to "improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities," according to the United Way Web site, www.unitedway.org.

— compiled from staff reports