February 20, 2026
Ferris State student groups raise nearly $9,000 for causes supporting wellness
Two fundraisers led by Ferris State University students surpassed expectations and brough community members together to support heart health and suicide prevention.
The 20th annual Red Out event and the inaugural Swinny Hall Charity Tournament raised over $8,700, demonstrating that “giving back” is a crucial part of the culture on campus.
The Communications program hosted the “Red Out” event that spanned two basketball games and a hockey game, marking the program directed the fundraiser.
The event featured a silent auction of goods and services including authentic Ferris State athletics memorabilia, with proceeds supporting the Corewell Women’s Cardiac Unit.
The students raised just over $4,000, setting a new record for the event, led by Johnathen Hart.
“My grandma had heart problems when I was growing up, so I’ve seen firsthand how people are affected,” Hart said. “Big Rapids isn’t Big Rapids without Ferris, and Ferris is not Ferris without Big Rapids. It’s only right that the university does its part to give back to the community.”
Across campus, the Ferris Esports program honored Michael “Swinny” Hall, a beloved student who passed away last summer. The esports team hosted 10 regional high schools and universities for a daylong tournament with participants competing in the games Valorant and Super Smash Bros.
The event attracted over 100 in-person attendees and gained more than 1,000 live viewers on Twitch during a nine-hour long broadcast. The club raised over $4,726 for a leading national non-profit dedicated to suicide prevention.
“This tournament allowed our students to unify and celebrate the life of someone they deeply care about,” Esports director Justin Summe said. “It created awareness of the struggles that our loved ones are often enduring in silence.”
Summe credited student leaders Jennifer Wozniak, Noah Spinale, and Nathan Briggs for leading the planning and the event’s success.
“This event was truly student driven. It turned an idea rooted in grief into something so positive for so many” Summe stated.
Both Hart and Summe credited their successes to the skills and support that Ferris State has brought upon its students and community. The university has given students the tools they need to lead and create an impact.
“Ferris has been amazing giving me and other students' opportunities like this,” Hart mentioned. “They truly want the best from their students, and if you find your thing, Ferris will not stop until you are able to succeed.”