The TOMS Club at UCA is the newest group to become a recognized student organization
Junior Josh Whitehurst, TOMS Club president, said the group is excited to be an official RSO.
“It’s incredible,” Whitehurst said. “As far as being able to reserve places on campus and things like that, it’s just easier all around. Before, we had to go through SGA and Student Activity Board spell out to reserve places and hold events, but we can do that on our own now.”
Junior Lorie Fleming, a TOMS Club member, said becoming an RSO also helps the club be able to advertise and receive more attention around campus.
“We can now have our own events under the TOMS name,” Fleming said. “Now we’ll get more recognition for what we’re doing. It will be a big help when we have our TOMS Benefit Walk in April.”
Fleming said the main goal of the group is to spread the word about TOMS shoes “One-for-One” Movement, which means every time a pair of TOMS shoes is purchased, a pair of shoes is given to a child in need.
“I’ve always been passionate about TOMS and the “One-for-One” movement and being able to give while also receiving,” Fleming said. “Just being a part of the campus club fit right in with that. I want to raise awareness for other students to get involved with something that matters.”
Being an RSO means the club will also receive more funding. Whitehurst said the club has not applied for funding yet, due to just being recognized as an RSO, but the club would apply next semester.
Whitehurst said the best way to keep up with upcoming events and all other news about the club was to read the Facebook page set up for the club. The link to UCA’s TOMS club is facebook.com/UCATOMS.
Whitehurst said the group was also looking for new members.
“As of right now, the best way is to keep up with the Facebook page until a meeting when we have applications,” Whitehurst said. “If anyone is interested in joining before that, students can email me.”
Whitehurst’s email is joshawhitehurst@gmail.com. Whitehurst said there are no fees to join the club.