Students planning to run half-naked through Tempe campus for charity may not get their chance this year as the ASU Undie Run struggles to find funding for increased security after past episodes of violence.
In its fifth year the ASU Undie Run Coalition raises money year-round to hold an annual clothing drive for local charities, said Kayla Frost, the group’s public relations director and journalism junior.
“We definitely need a lot more funding,” she said.
A video taken at the 2011 Undie Run showed three University students brawling at the event. The YouTube video later went viral on the Internet.
From an increase of about 5,000 participants in its first year to more than 20,000 in 2011, the event’s popularity has made University administration and the City of Tempe require more security and fencing.
“They are supportive of us, but want to make sure the event remains safe,” Frost said.
The Undie Run is scheduled for the last day of classes each spring semester — on April 24 this year — unless the group doesn’t raise enough funding to pay for the added security measures.
Most of the event’s sponsors are going through infrastructural changes, Frost said, and are unable to donate as much as they have in previous years.
ASU’s Undergraduate Student Government Tempe couldn’t provide as much funds as they have in the past either, she said.
Finance sophomore Alasandro Fenston said he understands why there would be extra security after he saw students last year tampering with University property.
“It’s not an issue of security,” Fenston said. “It’s disrespecting each other.”
The Undie Run collected 4.2 tons of clothing in 2011, Entertainment and Production Director Will Curran said.
The run provides a way to donate to those less fortunate, not just a way for students to let loose in their underwear on the last day of spring classes, he said.
“When students come to the event they think, ‘party,’ but it’s so important because it’s charity,” Curran said. "(The run) makes it easier for people to donate.”
Curran said the event has become a tradition among students and that he has participated since coming to ASU in 2009.
Fenton said the 2011 Undie Run was his favorite freshman experience and, as one of the biggest events of its kind in the country, it needs to live on.
“Everyone needs to understand respect and know how to have fun at the same time,” he said.
According to the group’s Facebook page, the Undie Run needs an additional $10,000 to put on the event. Donations can be made on the group’s Facebook page.
Reach the reporter at sraymund@asu.edu
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