Parent Family Weekend on Nov. 15-16 introduced a new opportunity for campus clubs to raise money. As family members admired a variety of cars, they also explored what the California Baptist University student body had to offer.
From lettuce plants sold by the Botany Club to crocheted critters from the Crochet Club and lattes served by Mikey G’s, the Fall Market highlighted student talent and culture.
Saya Betancourt, sophomore pre-nursing student and treasurer of the Latino Student Union, described the event as a positive experience. The Latino Student Union sold traditional “Mercado” bags from Tijuana, along with stickers and bracelets featuring cross charms, offering items at various price points. The market marked a significant fundraising opportunity for the club, providing financial resources for the first time.
“It’s a great fundraising opportunity for us since we have limited funds,” Betancourt said. “This is a way for us to give back to our club members. We’ve never had that before…”
Community Life hosted the event, which is expected to become a recurring tradition. Jamie Hutton, program coordinator for clubs, said the Fall Markets will now take place each semester.
“The way that this works is Community Life handles all cash payments—cash, check, card donations—and then we take that money and direct deposit it into their personal club fund that they have access to whenever they need it. Super easy,” Hutton said.
The market eliminated the need for clubs to handle payments directly. Customers received written receipts for purchases and completed transactions at the Community Life tent, where all payments were processed.
The event fostered creativity and community engagement. Participants called it a success, and students can look forward to another Club Market next semester—a new tradition benefiting campus clubs while enhancing the cultural and social vibrancy of CBU.
