Fiji luau raises nearly $1,000 for Family Resource Center

Evansville junior and member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, Tyler Wittmer, laughs with WKU graduate, Shawn Perry, as he plays with his son, Gavin Perry, during the Bowling Green Spring Luau on at Bowling Green High School on Saturday. All proceeds from he event, which is sponsored by Fiji, will go to the Bowling Green Independent School’s Family Resource Center.

Hayley Hilbert

The Bowling Green High School lawn had a tropical feel to it Saturday afternoon as Phi Gamma Delta fraternity hosted its annual Bowling Green Spring Luau.

Students and members of the community, both old and young, made up the crowd of people who came out to support the event.

“We decided to come to the luau because we read about what the proceeds go to,” said Louisville freshman Ashley Lethco as she finished up a game of corn hole. “We really wanted to help out, and this is just a fun way to do so.”

The luau raised just under $1,000, with the proceeds going to the Bowling Green Independent School Family Resource Center, said Louisville freshman Kyle Stewart, philanthropy co-chair for Fiji. The center is a branch of the city school district that provides services to underprivileged students.

Lethco also added that the weather was a factor in her decision to attend.

“It’s a really pretty day,” she said. “The perfect day for a luau.”

Others seemed to agree, as individuals of various ages participated in corn hole games, pie in the face booths and a dunking booth. Lines were formed in front the inflatables, and people sang along to the live music.

Parents who brought their children to the luau mentioned that it was a very family-friendly event.

“I’m glad we came,” said Bowling Green resident Wendy Glosick as her daughter waited in line for the inflatable slide. “The money goes towards a great cause, and it’s a lot of fun for both of us.”

Stewart said that he hoped more would people attend the luau, but added that he was hopeful for the future of the event.

“I think it’s moving in the right direction for future success,” Stewart said.