With the holidays around the corner, many Miami University students and staff are reaching into their pockets to give back to the Oxford community.
Enrico Blasi, head coach of the men's ice hockey team, gave back in his own way. Blasi donated two gifts to an Oxford United Way eBay auction that ran from Dec. 3 to 6.
Blasi donated a guest bench coach spot for the Jan. 29, 2010, game against Western Michigan and four seats in his private box for the game against Ohio State University Feb. 26, 2010.
Both auctions began with a minimum bid of $100 and ended at 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Twenty-two bidders vied for a chance to be a guest bench coach, with $305 as the winning bid.
Eight bidders competed for the opportunity to experience a Miami hockey game with a bird's eye view from four seats in Blasi's private box. The final bid stopped at $137.50.
The United Way of Oxford uses this money to help local families and more than 21 other organizations, according to Stephanie Raker, executive assistant to the president of the Butler County United Way.
"A lot of people have stepped up and are giving more, but we still need help, Raker said.
According to Raker, anyone can help out.
"Even if you don't have money, you can donate time," Raker said.
Junior Adam Marcum, a RedHawks hockey fan and creator of a Facebook.com group dedicated to the hockey team, said he thinks Blasi's donations were great for the community.
"It's a really cool way for him to give back to the community," Marcum said. "It sends a message."
To donate or help at the United Way, go to http://www.bcunitedway.org or http://www.uwoxford.org for more information.
