The Broad College MBA Association (MBAA) was once again ready for “a fight”. To prove it, they raised more than $50,000 in cash and food equivalents for the Mid-Michigan Food Bank (MMFB) as part of the annual MBA Food Fight competition. This Food Fight was held in December 2011 and involved a Euchre tournament, a Mario Kart tournament, a Date Auction, Penny Wars and a baked goods sale in addition to soliciting corporate donations – all in an effort to raise more money for their local food bank than other top b-schools.

The MBAA presented the Mid-Michigan Food Bank with a check for $51,266 (total for cash and food equivalents) on Feb. 13 during an MBA social. The amount nearly doubles their 2011 goal of $30,000 and the 2010 total of $28,264 thanks to the hard work and support of MBA students, faculty and staff. Meijer also continued to support MBAA and MMFB by providing a generous donation during the competition.

Betsy Rueckert, Financial Development Officer at the Mid-Michigan Food Bank, feels there is a far-reaching value of the MBAA donation. “The ongoing partnership between the Mid-Michigan Food Bank and the Broad College MBA program has resulted in a commitment not only to give back to the local community now, but it also impacts our agencies long-term through the future leadership and support of these students.”

In past years, Broad MBAs have won the friendly competition 8 out of 11 times. Totals are not in yet for all schools, but they are hoping this year is no exception. “Regardless of the competition’s outcome, we are very proud of our accomplishments this year in surpassing our fundraising goal and the resulting impact we are able to have on Mid-Michigan families through the food bank,” says Shannon Blakely, MBA Association president and second-year MBA student.