BUSPH Takes Top Spot in Madness Against Malaria Once Again
The Beantown-‘Skeeter Beaters have done it again.
For the fourth year running, Boston University School of Public Health’s Beantown ‘Skeeter-beater Tetra-peaters have placed first in the annual Madness Against Malaria fundraising competition. Altogether they raised $3,910 to purchase 888 insecticide-treated bed nets for distribution in malaria-stricken regions around the world.
The international charity event pits teams against each other to raise more donations than their opponents in knock out-style rounds that mirror the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament. This year, the Beantown ‘Skeeter-beater Tetra-peaters — named in honor of their number of years competing — managed to best 592 other teams through 6 competitive rounds of fundraising. All donations go toward the purchase of $5 insecticide-treated bed nets, an effective way to prevent the spread of malaria, which is responsible for an estimated 1 to 3 million deaths each year. Over the past four years, the BUSPH team has managed to raise enough money to purchase 5857 bed nets.
Despite the steadfast support of the BUSPH community, winning the competition was not a sure thing. The Beantown ‘Skeeter-beater Tetra-peaters found stiff competitors in the Nests Shop, their opponents in the last round. But with a final push of donations, including a strategic round of large donations in the last minutes of the competition, BUSPH was able to claim their fourth win.
“It’s a testament to the School and to the passion of its alumni,” said student Hari Iyer, who helped promote the team as a member of BUSPH’s Rotaract Club. “We really care what we’re doing and it’s cool to be a part of it.”
All areas of the BUSPH community had a hand in propelling the team to the top, making donations and spreading the word to colleagues and friends.
“There is tremendous support for this effort from students, faculty, staff and especially alumni who have been involved in past years, plus all their families and friends,” said Joseph Anzalone, a senior manager in the International Health department, who helped spur participation. “It’s a tradition now, and people rise to the occasion.”
Jessica Kraft (’07), a BUSPH alumna who started the fundraising initiative when she was a member of the BUSPH Rotaract Club in 2007, said keeping the tradition of competing — and winning — Madness Against Malaria “is really exciting.”
“BUSPH has been incredible in pulling together to continue making a difference in the fight against malaria,” she said. “The continued support shows that people really do care. Even a little bit of financial support for this cause can go a long way.”
Kraft has continued promoting the School’s team since graduating from BUSPH, and her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Last year, her work to promote malaria prevention was acknowledged by the Boston Celtics, who presented her with a “Heroes Among Us” award to recognize her exceptional contributions to the community through her commitment and humanitarian spirit.
“Malaria is a preventable disease and one of the most cost-effective measures for prevention is through the use of insecticide-treated bed nets,” Kraft explained.
“This experience has been a powerful example of the ability to create a grassroots movement to affect positive change while at the same time offering a tangible service for a disease that affects so many in their daily lives.”
Visit the Beantown ‘Skeeter-beater Tetra-peater’s Madness Against Malaria donation page to find out where nets have been distributed.
Submitted by Michelle Salzman