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Eggster! Eggster! By Linda Schmidt It’s the academic equivalent of saying “Hey kids—my dad’s got a barn; let’s put on a show!” Every April since its inception in 1995, the Eggster Hunt and Learning Festival has been organized by a group of motivated Cal students to promote literacy and encourage the goal of a college education among disadvantaged schoolkids, raising additional funds to support local charities. Entirely student-run and supported by the CAA, Eggster is now a community tradition, offering rewards for the children who participate, the students who coordinate the day, and the numerous children’s organizations that benefit from its fundraising efforts. Last year, Eggster drew over 4,000 participants and raised $30,000. “It’s so empowering for us to put something like this together, to see that we are capable of effecting change,” says Lisa Lee, a third-year Cal student who, along with senior Mala Batra, co-chairs the Eggster committee for 2001. Initiated by Curtis Chan ’96 as a way for members of the Alumni Scholars Club to use their creative and intellectual talents to benefit children, Eggster’s main attraction is a massive egghunt on the lawn north of the Valley Life Sciences Building—each egg concealing a small stash of candy along with the name of an alumni sponsor. But Eggster isn’t just about jelly beans and chocolate bunnies; the day also incorporates educational booths, art activities, and entertainment. Campus sports and musical groups add to the welcoming atmosphere. “It’s our goal to bring kids onto the campus, and give them a fun and friendly experience,” says Lee. This year, Eggster has increased its literacy efforts by working with local book stores and libraries to sponsor a book drive with the goal of providing a free book for every schoolchild who attends. Eggster students are also using the event as a vehicle to publicize kid-friendly library resources and programs such as grade-specific reading lists and story groups. Another new feature of this year’s event is a campus tour for kids—and grown-ups—who want to see a bit more of Cal. Despite often-strained relations between Cal and the surrounding city, Eggster stands as a way for local businesses to feel good about supporting a campus venture. Berkeley Ace Hardware is a reliable supplier, donating some 15,000 of the ever-important plastic eggs, and other merchants provide in-kind donations of other necessary supplies. In addition, student volunteers solicit monetary donations from several sources: alumni are asked to sponsor eggs at $5 per egg (five eggs for $20, a dozen for $50), and members of Eggster’s finance committee obtain sponsorships from companies as varied as Sun Microsystems, the Lowell Berry Foundation, and Sanrio Corporation (maker of Hello Kitty products). Proceeds are then donated to Children’s Hospital Oakland, the Alacosta Center for children with developmental disabilities, and other local agencies dedicated to improving childrens’ lives. “It’s really about building a positive relationship with the community,” says Scott Lau ’01, who served as last year’s event co-chair.  With three separate hunts—for infants, for older children, and for children with disabilities—Eggster planners make the hunt accessible and enjoyable for a wide variety of participants. Eggster’s outreach committee targets disadvantaged children, and sends emissaries to elementary schools and child-care facilities throughout Berkeley to distribute event flyers for kids to color. “Not everyone is raised with the assumption that they are going to college,” says Batra. “We’re really hoping to expose these kids to the idea of higher learning.” Alumni families are also strongly encouraged to bring their kids to campus to take part in the festivities. Eggster requires an enormous commitment from the students involved. Planning for the spring event begins in August, and the co-chairs oversee more than 90 students who do everything from developing public service announcements to dressing up in bunny outfits. The final week before the event is packed with a frenzy of activity as volunteers get together every night to prepare the eggs and confirm each last detail. For many students, however, this level of responsibility is what makes the event so gratifying. “So much of this has to do with the cause,” says Lau. “Eggster volunteers are a unique, tightly knit crowd.” Eggster planners also benefit from the strong support of former Eggster students, who offer advice on planning, logistics, and management, and who also show up to help before and during the event. “Eggster offers students the chance to work together closely, and to bond over a period of time,” explains Jay Lai ’98, who has been involved with Eggster since 1995. “Continuing as an alumni advisor allows me to remain involved with some of the highest quality Cal students.” Eggster gladly accepts alumni contributions and employer matching gifts. Checks payable to CAA-Eggster may be sent to Alumni House, Berkeley 94720. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, call 510/643-2033 or e-mail asst_sgr@alumni.berkeley.edu.
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