Campbell University Community Care Clinic hosted its seventh Mr. CUSOM show in February raising over $10,000 for the student run free clinic. After being forced to host a virtual event for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the students were excited to return to a live show at the Stewart Theater in Dunn, North Carolina.
“Since we had Mr. CUSOM virtually last year, this year’s event really felt like it brought the CUSOM community together to support our unmatched local health efforts through the CUCCC,” said Britney Lugmayer, OMS-II. “The CUCCC was a major contributor in my decision to apply to and attend CUSOM. It was awesome to see our first year class (and some faculty) dedicate so much time and effort into fundraising that will enable Campbell to continue providing care to the local underserved residents.”
The show has a pre-event crowdfunding element where participants promote the fundraiser to their family and friends through email and social media asking them to donate to the clinic. The night of the show, these donations count towards the total number of points that determine which contestant will be awarded the title of Mr. CUSOM. Other areas of competition include: Alternative Wear, Talent Competition, and Formal Wear.
The show is a variety show with parody where students showcase their talents and make fun of themselves (and occasionally, willing faculty and staff). Everyone involved agrees, the laughter shared for the sake of a good cause gives the medical school community a great memory every year.
“I attended Mr. CUSOM as a way to support the clinic while also taking a break from studying!” shared Ashley Keane, OMS-I. “The show itself was awesome! My friends and I could not stop laughing. It was great to see how the faculty got involved in the show as well!”
All of the contestants affirmed their involvement was inspired by the work of the free clinic and the patients it serves.
“I decided to participate in Mr. CUSOM to help fund one of the students’ and faculty’s most impactful programs,” Mr. CUSOM 2022 Chris Dagdag stated. “I wanted to use a talent of mine to not only help put together a fun family event for our CUSOM family, but more importantly, raise money for the free medical care our clinic provides to the underserved communities in Harnett and Duplin county.”
“I enjoy volunteering at the CUCCC weekly; it allows me to continue my passion for service and practice my scholarship as well – a sentiment I’m certain is widely shared by other students.”
“As for winning Mr. CUSOM, I was honored to be crowned, and to say I and the other participants were surprised would be an understatement. I would like to congratulate the runner-up, John Biondi, as well as thank the boys and the volunteers who put together an amazing show.”
2022 Mr. CUSOM contestants were: Tripp Atkinson, John Biondi, Ryan Addlesberger, Daniel van Rooyen, and Chris Dagdag
Daniel van Rooyen was awarded Mr. Congeniality and says the clinic gives back to the students, too.
“The clinic to me represents the first place that a lot of us can serve as more than just students or volunteers, but truly as doctors in training. It also allows us to engage with and give to a population of people who we call neighbors, who would suffer without proper healthcare. I decided to be a contestant in Mr. CUSOM, because this school and community has given me so much, and I wanted to use some of my skills and talents to benefit this great resource that is the CUCCC.”
Special thanks to Mr. Bob Schmid, faculty advisor for Mr. CUSOM, and Dr. Hannah Anderson (DO ’19), founder of the Mr. CUSOM show.
Production volunteers and coaches: Abbie Daniels, Delaney Williams, Ashley You, Ayarah Dharanikota, Sarah Bogan, Matthew Little, Meaghan Nazareth, Chelsea McCray, Robyn Naron, Mikayla Luke, Kat Rhodes, Maddie Clayton, Katie Game, Zohdi Cooperrider-Young, Claudia Foubert, Avan Shirwani, Emily Beverly, and Puja Patel.
For more information about the Community Care Clinic, visit: https://medicine.campbell.edu/about/community-engagement/community-care-clinic/