The largest student-run festival in the nation has been battling negative publicity for the past few years, so Veishea officials are working hard to ensure that this year will highlight community and educational outreach in the Ames area.

Beth Sonderman, Veishea educational outreach co-chairwoman and junior in elementary education, said the Veishea committee is emphasizing community service more this year because “we wanted to do something that would benefit the Ames community.”

“Iowa State students wanted to be able to give back to the community,” she said.

Sonderman said about 30 volunteers participated in the community service projects.

The first community service project involving ISU students included moving the Boys and Girls Club of Ames to a different location, South 5th Street.

According to a Veishea press release, the move increased the organization’s building size from 4,000 square feet to 11,000 square feet.

ISU students who participated included volunteers from the Inter-Residence Hall Association, Government of the Student Body, Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council and the Veishea committee.

Another activity included cleaning the parks and recreation areas of Ames, including the area around the Ames/ISU ice arena, Brookside and Stuart Smith Park.

One project for the Veishea committee is a fund-raiser for the Israel Family Hospice House, in conjunction with Mary Greeley Medical Center, 1111 Duff Ave. The Israel Family Hospice House provides terminally-ill patients and their families with care.

“We just thought the community outreach would be a good thing to have for Veishea every year,” said Alyssa Armbrecht, Veishea community outreach co-chairwoman and freshman in chemical engineering and food sciences.

Armbrecht emphasized that “community outreach is good at any time, not just Veishea.”

Although the greek system is involved with community service projects, Armbrecht said events like Veishea might help to unite the entire ISU community.

“I hope this community service project can continue to grow bigger and better,” Armbrecht said. “It’s a good image to convey ISU as a whole.”

Melody Scobba, Veishea community outreach co-chairwoman and sophomore in communication studies, said fund-raising for the Israel Hospice House is an important community project.

She said she believes many Ames residents can relate to the tragedy of terminal illness, and that the Israel Hospice House will be able to provide appropriate services to those in need.

The Veishea committee also has focused on education outreach this year.

Sonderman said the educational outreach committee received nearly 150 applications for the Veishea scholarship program, and six winners have been selected.

The recipients include Luke Foster of Traer, Michael Kremer of Ottumwa, Kristin Guiter of Ottumwa, Bethany Packer of Marshalltown, Toni Kirby of Elkhorn, Neb. and Matt Sogard of Eldora.

The Veishea scholarship awards $250 per semester to its recipients. Sonderman said the committee looks for students who are planning on attending ISU, have a good academic record and who have had leadership experience in their communities.

Sonderman said she expects great things from this year’s winners.

“I don’t know [many] Veishea scholarship winners who haven’t gone on to be involved,” she said. “They’ve done really well here.”

Scobba emphasized this year’s Veishea committee wanted to revamp Veishea’s image.

“[Community service in the past] has not always been very big,” she said. “We want to do something that people can see. We’re trying to change Veishea; what we’re trying to do is focus more on community service.”

Scobba said Veishea should not be a celebration just for the ISU community, but for all Ames residents.

“We want Veishea to be seen in a positive light,” Scobba said.

She said Veishea committee members will be trying to raise money for the Israel Hospice House during Veishea week. Donations can be made at all residence hall post offices, or at Veishea booths located at and around Cy’s Big Top.

Sonderman added that greek system members also will be able to donate to the fund at their houses.