~ onors College opportunities were bigger and better than ever this year when they hosted a fundraiser with a twist dming the week of Nov. 28. The name of the fundraiser, "Bigger and Bette!~" was inspired by Canadian blogger Kyle MacDonald's 2005 experiment. MacDonald, influenced by the children's game "Bigger, Better," began with a single red paperclip and, over the course of a year, traded various items via online sites until he ultimately ended up with a farmhouse in Kipling, Saskatchewan. Participation in the Harding fundraiser involved the same concept; each student started with a paperclip and traded this for items they deemed upgrades. At the end of the week, the items were auctioned off to students and the Searcy community. The proceeds were given to Jacob's Place, a refuge for homeless families in Searcy, to aid deserving families during the holiday season. ''What makes [Jacob's Place] clifferent from a homeless shelter is that they teach these families budgeting and money-management skills, so they don't stay perpetually homeless," senior Stephen McBride, president of the Honors Council, said. "The goal is to help these families get back on their feet and stay there." Sharing good company and food, graduate assistant Mary Margaret Fish and senior art history major Emily Lynn eat lunch together at the Honors House on Nov. 29. The Honors House offered all-you-can-eat chili and a drink for $2 every Tuesday from II a.m. to 2 p.m. Grant Schol McBride originally came up with the idea of using MacDonald's experiment as a Harding fundraiser after spending time volunteering atJacob's Place. Over the summer, he collaborated with Warren Casey, dean of the Honors College, and the rest of the Honors Council in order to bring the idea to life. "[The Honors Council] wanted to involve the entire school for the competition aspect, as well as invite all of Searcy to the auction," McBride said. Student participation in the fundraiser went above and beyond expectations, McBride said. Items ranged from belts to a signed picture of President David Burks. "Some of the things we received at the end of the week were astonishing," sophomore Kate Scherer said. "In trade, I think the most expensive item was a car, with an estimated value of $1 ,500, which we auctioned for $450. We also had a couple of computers, a pair of printers and a beautiful alto saxophone." Ultimately, the Honors College raised $2,119.50 for Jacob's Place residents, bringing a little more warmth and cheer to those in need of a warm meal and a happy holiday Stacy Hall While at the Bigger and Better auction on Dec. 3, sophomorejose Portillo looks at a Christmas tree stand. "There was a good variety of products at the auction," Portillo said. "My favorite was an old record player." Ashel Parsons Academics f7-'1
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