What better way to set the tone for the new semester than mini donuts, bouncy houses, prize games and a dunk tank?
These activities, and more, were offered during the 2nd annual University of Redlands Blok Party on Saturday, Jan. 11. Lasting from 12-6 p.m. on the Quad, this event was organized by the GDR fraternity, WRW social justice organization and DAWGS (Doing Activities With Great Spirit) groups.
Accompanying the two inflatable structures were a ring toss, life-size Connect-4, face painting, dunk tank and caricature drawings by a Twist and Shout Events artist. Along with music, the free popcorn, snow cones and taco and mini donut trucks kept the vibes up. As with many Redlands events, the public was welcome to take part in this Blok Party.
The Taco food truck attracts a long line during the Jan. 11 Blok Party. Tacos are tasty, but free tacos sure made it a party! Photo Credit: DAWGS Co-President Adelaide Hubble ‘27 
Kobi Stanley ‘26 works the ring toss booth during the Jan. 11 Blok Party. Prizes for those who successfully tossed a ring onto the cones included Redlands stickers, drawstring bags and a mini skateboard. Photo Credit: DAWGS Co-President Angelina Ybanez ‘27 
DAWGS Co-President Adelaide Hubble and member Lorenzo Palacios, both ‘27, make popcorn during the Jan. 11 Blok Party. Photo Credit: DAWGS Co-President Angelina Ybanez ‘27 
DAWGS Co-President Angelina Ybanez ‘27 and member Daniel Cedillo ‘28 operate the snow cone booth during the Jan. 11 Blok Party. Snow cones were one of the many free food items available and a popular treat on the warm afternoon. Photo Credit: DAWGS Co-President Adelaide Hubble ‘27
“We’ve had quite a few families stop by,” DAWGS Co-president Adelaide Hubble ‘27 said. “They especially like the snacks and bouncy castles.”
In addition to simply creating an environment for a lively afternoon, this Blok Party functioned as a fundraiser for the GDR fraternity and WRW social action organization. GDR member Cesar Sanchez ‘26 assisted in running the GDR table during the Blok Party and described how his fraternity promotes racial equality.
“We really emphasize bringing men of color together and just creating an atmosphere where they can thrive,” he said.
Earlier this year, GDR tabled pie- and water-balloon throwing fundraisers in Hunsaker that were donated to domestic violence shelters. This is their typical donation focus, but in lieu of recent events, the funds from their dunk tank will be donated to LA fire relief.
Skyla Prado ‘26, the WRW progression chair and sergeant of arms, explained that WRW is a social action sisterhood group that functions similar to, but is not affiliated with Greek Life. She said it was founded by students of color in 1992 amid the Rodney King Riots with the goal of promoting racial and gender equality. This year’s previous WRW fundraisers include the Pride Fest and “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes,” where men strutted and raced in high heels. These funds were donated to domestic violence shelters and Redlands firefighters, and the Blok Party face paint and cotton candy funds will be dedicated to relief in Gaza. Prado said people can expect to see much more from WRW in the near future, as February brings Black History Month.
This Blok Party was also the first day of work for the new Redlands Student Government and DAWGS advisor Heaven Rivera, a ‘21 and ‘24 alum. Although Rivera is new to the Interim Assistant Director of Student Involvement title, she is not a new face on campus. The Redlands native graduated with her Masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Redlands’ School of Education in August of 2024 after earning her bachelor’s degree in 2021, during which she also worked for the university.
Rivera said she has always had her eye on this position, having been actively engaged in leadership and student government in both middle and high school.
“This is my quote-unquote dream job,” she said. “When I was a student, I was involved in all of these programs, and I loved them. I loved being a part of them. I loved being a part of what makes the campus fun and exciting. So to come back and give back to the university, but also to advise the students that have very similar passions and pastimes as I did, is fun and exciting for me.”
Rivera understands that her position comes with its challenges, but is excited for the opportunity to make a positive impact on student life.
“Right now, my goal is really just to support the students in whatever capacity they need, but also to bring back fun and exciting events to campus – to really get students engaged and have things that they look forward to.”
Rivera’s favorite DAWGS event is Casino Night, which students will have the opportunity to experience later this Spring. Along with Casino Night, Rivera encourages students to attend DAWGS – and other – events.
“I hope that students make the most out of their time here at Redlands. And I know that classes can get stressful, so it’s good to have some reliefs in a way of, like, relaxing on the weekends that aren’t studying or being in the library.”
With free food, fun games, and philanthropic fundraising, this 2nd annual DAWGS Blok Party made for a lively, stress-relieving Saturday afternoon.
McKenzie Rose is a freshman at Redlands with interests in Environmental Studies and Journalism. She worked for the last three years as a freelance journalist with the Hermiston Herald, a newspaper near her hometown of Echo, Oregon. She is looking forward to covering the interesting, the exciting, and the intriguing happenings at the university for the Redlands Bulldog!
