Evin Strott made $2,742.40 reminding us all to never run from Patty, especially not during May Weekend. Strott is responsible for designing, marketing and selling the must-have “May Weekend 2011” t-shirt. The budding entrepreneur along with classmates Katie Bauer, James Johnson, Kevin Kelly, Dan Fishkin, and Nate Hirsch went above and beyond for their semester-long project in Management 222: Ventures in Social Enterprise.
Nearly 400 students ordered the group’s unique design. It features the Corona logo on front, and the backside has ten rules to follow during for May Weekend 2011. The group got their inspiration from Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn’s infamous Rules of Wedding Crashing, and wanted to incorporate it in a simple, unisex pleasing design.
Where will the profits from your sales be going?
Each group was given a non-profit organization. Ours is The Partnership Center for Adult Care in Hamden. It’s an adult daycare for senior citizens that can’t afford to be in a nursing home, or aren’t ready to make the transition yet. They have 4 on staff nurses to provide medical care. The senior citizens are provided with two meals and a snack.
The place really needed money. It’s falling apart, everyone there is impoverished, and it’s in a bad part of Hamden. The women, Valerie, who runs it will never reject someone and even pays for some people herself. She charges the bare minimum, and runs most of it out of her pocket.
We have provided the organization with the largest donation in their history.
What made the group decide on a t-shirt?
We wanted to create something that everyone would want. The organization is in great need of money and we wanted to create a product that had mass appeal.
How else are you involved with The Partnership Center?
Our group visits the center on a regular basis. We play chess, checkers, and bingo with them, and we wanted to provide them with more activities. We wanted to provide them with something tangible to connect them with the outside community. We have already provided them with a laptop, and we hope to buy a new television and plenty of DVDs.
What interested you in studying entrepreneurship?
Ever since I was little, I’ve always been the boss. I’m the youngest of four girls, but I’ve always been the take-charge child. My mom is the manager of a real estate agency, and I’ve always admired that. I have always taken the lead in any class project, extra-curricular. Usually things don’t get done unless you take charge. I love being able to see something happen right.
So now that the hard part of your project is over, how do you feel?
I’m really excited for May Weekend. To see people wearing a logo you designed is just so weird. I’m extremely proud of this venture. It was my very own brainchild.
HCQU wishes everyone a safe and happy May Weekend! Don’t forget your May Weekend t-shirts, and always remember Rule #76: No excuses. Play like a champion!