The Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games, hosted by Southern Utah University, is launching ‘Summer Games Serves’

Published: June 05, 2024 | Read Time: 2 minutes

Student collecting food and essential items at the HOPE pantry

CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games, hosted by Southern Utah University, is launching ‘Summer Games Serves’ in time for the 2024 Games.

This initiative aims to support both the SUU campus and Iron County communities with a goal of raising funds for the SUU HOPE Pantry, and collecting donated items for the Iron County School District Foundation at the ‘State Bank of Southern Utah VIP Reception’.

“The Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games were built on pillars that included teamwork and a love of community,” said Jon Oglesby, Executive Director of the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games. “Of all the contests that will take place in Cedar City this summer, there is no foe that needs to be defeated more in our community than food insecurity and material need. We are excited to welcome Summer Games participants to join our team in making a positive difference on our campus and in our community.”

‘Summer Games Serves’ aims to raise $10,000 for the SUU HOPE Pantry, which provides food and essential items to SUU students and community members in need. During the 2023-24 academic year, the pantry saw a 72% increase in demand, with 49% of SUU students reporting some level of food insecurity. The projected expenses for the 2024-25 academic year are about $5,000 per month, excluding materials donated by generous supporters. The 'Summer Games Serves' initiative seeks to cover two months of these operational costs if the funding goal is achieved.

“The Pantry is a labor of love, from its initial inception when students and staff from a variety of backgrounds came together to see what could be done,” said Pam Branin, Director of the Community Engagement Center at Southern Utah University. “The Pantry really reflects what happens when people work together to help each other, and our students are so appreciative.”

How to Help:

    • Donate Online: Visit Summer Games Serves Donation Page to contribute.
    • Bring Non-perishable Food Items: Drop off donations at the ‘State Bank of Southern Utah Pancake Breakfast’ on June 8, near the 5K/10K finish line outside the SUU P.E. Building.

Gifts to the SUU HOPE Pantry are tax-deductible.

To purchase tickets to the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games Opening Ceremony, Presented by State Bank of Southern Utah, visit tbirdtickets.com. For more information on the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games, visit UtahSummerGames.org.

Tags: Utah Summer Games Utah Community

Contact Information:

Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu