In the mood for some tunes from Foreigner? Or maybe some Ambrosia, Jefferson Starship or other rock classic bands from the 1980s?

More than 500 classmates, family members, students, faculty and friends certainly were, as they all came together for a fun-packed “Roll Back to the 80s” skate night and fundraiser held late spring at Super Wheels in Miami.

From left to right: Linda Henderson, Cindy Esquivel, Crystal Bethea and Emelyn Bruguera

The College of Business Administration’s BBA+ Weekend Group 27 students hosted the skate night in association with the AT&T Pioneers South Florida chapter.

According to Crystal Bethea, who co-chaired the event with fellow student Luis Couvertier, the goal of the community skate night was to raise awareness and funds for four local nonprofit organizations—Art Studio Miami, Community Partnership for Homeless, Covenant House and the Just Relieve Foundation.

The project stemmed from a Business in Society class assignment around implementing a group project to benefit the local Miami community.

Fundraising is on a roll for BBA+ Weekend Group 27.

Proceeds from skate night ticket sales funneled into the fundraising effort. Also, during the event, booths provided guests with additional information about the services and activities each charity provides to the community. Numerous local businesses sponsored the skate night, with raffle drawings held throughout the night to help raise additional funds.

Classmates from BBA+ Weekend Group 27 and Robert Hogner (back row, pointing), course instructor, Business in Society

“Our fundraising results exceeded our expectations,” Bethea said. “We were able to present each organization with a check for nearly $2,000. We are grateful for all who generously contributed and joined us in ‘rolling back to the 80s’ for such a great community cause.”

Cindy Esquivel (BBA ’01), Telecom Pioneers community service chairperson, is proud of how the students put their ideas into action through determination and hard work.

“By getting the college and local community energized, they created a fun, worthwhile event that raised awareness for four deserving local charity organizations that rely on donations like these,” she said.