Lending a Hand to the American Heart Association no Trivial Matter

Aiken, SC (03/13/2020) — The University of South Carolina Aiken called great Pacer minds together for a friendly trivia competition that ultimately benefited the American Heart Association.

Teams made up of students, alumni, faculty, and staff participated in the inaugural USC Aiken Trivia Night and Mixer at the Tap Room in the Alley, downtown Aiken. The teams answered questions focused on the university and greater Aiken community.

"This event was a fun way to bring colleagues together to laugh, enjoy friendly competition and get together outside of our traditional work day," said Mila Padgett, one of the organizers of the event.

Each team pitched in $5 per team member for the opportunity to compete for bragging rights and prizes. The winning team earned the USC Aiken Aha! Cups.

Elizabeth Webb, a communication instructor, put together the winning Aha Team comprised of fellow faculty: Dr. Tim Ashton, Spanish; Dr. Melenica Johnson, sociology; Dr. Tim McClure, sociology; and Creighton Hentz of Aiken.

"I'm grateful to have very smart and talented friends that care about USC Aiken and our community," Webb said.

"Our team had a blast, and we are looking forward to doing this again."

The owner of the Tap Room, Alley Kneece, Class of '08, was a huge supporter of the event. The Tap Room donated tips received from the night that are included in the fundraising effort for the American Heart Association.

"I'm a USC Aiken alumnus and athlete, so I was pumped to host USCA for the American Heart Association event," Kneece said.

"The Alley Downtown Taproom's tips go to different local charities, so this was perfect."

She appreciated seeing some familiar faces too.

"Some of my old professors and administrators came to the taproom," the alumna said.

"It was neat to see something come full circle within our community."

Kim Fudge, assistant registrar at USC Aiken, said she had loads of fun and hopes it becomes an annual event.

While the team, Mans Fur Hat, took home the Aha! Cup, the big winner was the American Heart Association. The trivia night event brought almost $500 for the organization.

Padgett says she's grateful for the community and campus support of the effort. Based on the response and many smiles she saw on participants faces, she plans to host Trivia on Tap again next year.

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