Sophomore Benedict Kennedy won a free meal plan for the spring 2022 semester at Bon Appetit’s carnival on the quad on Aug. 26. He secured his prize by earning the most tickets in carnival games. 

“It’s a huge financial benefit,” Kennedy said. “As soon as I found out that I had won, I called my parents, and they were in disbelief.”

Benito Suero Jr., Bon Appetit’s general manager, said the carnival marked the first time the company has held a giveaway at Hillsdale. Students had the opportunity to win tickets at different games such as whack-a-mole, quarterback toss, and deer hunter, which were all manned by Bon Appetit staff. 

The student with the most tickets by the end of the night won the meal plan. Kennedy, who lives in Simpson Residence, earned 42 tickets.

“I definitely had the most success at the quarterback toss,” Kennedy said. “ I just kept chucking the football and winning. I also had the most fun there out of all the stations bantering with Bobby and the Simpson boys.”

In addition to the games, Bon Appetit served more than 1,200 meals and a variety of carnival treats such as funnel cakes, popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy. 

Suero said he and his team planned the carnival to open the semester with a splash, especially as Hillsdale welcomes the biggest freshman class in its history. 

“Part of our marketing strategy this year is to really engage the student body and the faculty,” Suero said. “We really wanted something fun that everyone would enjoy, and we thought, ‘Who doesn’t love a carnival?’”

Suero thought that the competitive carnival atmosphere, more than the prize itself, laid the grounds for a fun evening. 

Kennedy agreed. 

“While the meal plan is definitely a big benefit financially,” he said, “I really just wanted to carry on Simpson’s great tradition of winning everything.”

Sophomore Jonah Apel said he enjoyed the carnival. 

“It was really cool that they had little prizes for those of us who didn’t win big,” Apel said. “I really appreciate them putting it on. The food was a lot of fun and it was great to get to know the Bon Appetit staff better in that relaxed environment.”  

“I’m always in such a rush during mealtimes that I never stop to thank the dining staff or talk to them,” he added.

Suero said the carnival was such a success that Bon Appetit will make it an annual event.