Hayes' Booster Bash raises $7,000

Thousands of Winston-Salem State students, faculty, young alumni and community supporters rolled in and out of the first Ram Booster Bash in the Eastway Shopping Center Plaza March 20.

 The  Bash is the brainchild of Bill Hayes, athletic director. Hayes began his tenure as AD in January. 

The purpose of the Bash  was to raise funds for the athletic department, lift school spirit, and involve the community. Approximately $7,000 was generated.

When Hayes stepped onto stage he enthusiastically addressed the crowd explaining his plans for WSSU athletics. 

Hayes said that he wants to "Ramatize" the community and make WSSU paraphernalia more visible throughout the community. 

During his speech, Hayes said that businesses in the community that partner with the University and donate to the athletic department, will receive an emblem that says, "You have been Ramatized." 

The event included food, music, motivational speaking, and live entertainment provided by the athletic department, the "Red Sea of Sound" Marching Band, and the Powerhouse of Red & White Cheerleaders.   A dance team from Shiloh Baptist Church in Winston-Salem also performed.  

"We were there to provide entertainment for the venue and to be showcased as well," Terrance Hobbs said. 

"Both the football team and the band seem to be getting bad vibes, and we want to change this image.   

"We also came to outreach to the community." Hobbs is a senior mass communications major from Charlotte and a member of the "Red Sea of Sound" Marching Band.

Hayes said he hopes a portion of the funds [$7,000] will be used to provide books for the student athletes.

Hayes also said that he wants to do a "Friday Night Lights" event including a pep rally at the field house every Friday night before games.

All athletic teams were present and in uniform at the bash, and some helped by serving at the food stands.

The Bash showcased campus organizations including Epiphany Modeling Troupe and Ragin' Rams Pep squad. 

"Overall I think that the Bash was a big success and he [Hayes] has even bigger plans for the future, anything to increase Ram pride and to fill the seats of the stadium," said Jeremy Lea, a sophomore history major from Concord, and Ragin' Rams member. There were special appearances from WSSU coaches   and Chancellor Reaves. 

The event was a partnership between WSSU and Winston-Salem.