The nutrition club carried out its first Unwind and Uplift event last Saturday in the Recreation and Wellness Center to promote and raise money for the club.

Members if the Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, or SAND, put on the two-hour event that included Refit and yoga. People paid $5 to attend.

“Uplift and unwind is the idea of those coming to the event making a step in their overall wellness or those who are undergoing trials and tribulation,” said Priscilla Clayton, senior nutrition major from Arlington. “This event gives those a chance to be motivated and welcomed and reassured that to come out and to progress is a success in itself.”

The 14 individuals who attended the event included students, alumni and two Abilene Christian School teachers.

“On many occasions, students and faculty want to get active and want to be healthier though have no idea of how to get out there and do that,” Clayton said. “Our organization and our event give students and faculty that opportunity with events such as these.”

The SAND officers said although it was small, there was much excitement and the event was a great way to start the weekend off. The event promoted SAND and raised money for current nutrition students.

“We want people on campus to know our name and what we are about,” said Bonnie Ashlock, senior nutrition major from Abilene. “We wanted to raise funds for our organizations so that we can go to conferences that help us network for our careers, but we all want to help our community on campus first and foremost.”

The SAND officers hope to raise support through other opportunities besides events.

“We will have volunteer opportunities and tables in the Rec, promoting health and wellness and putting our name out there,” said Marisa Suter, senior nutrition major from San Antonio. “We are not well known, but we want to change that in order to reach as many people we can to educate them about the importance of nutrition.”

The proceeds of this event will help buy nutrition majors t-shirts for the Texas Nutrition Conference in Arlington in April.