GW Expands Buff & Bloom Week with Philanthropic Focus

The George Washington University's annual Buff & Bloom Week will take on a new dimension this spring, combining long-standing campus traditions with a university-wide effort to support global humanitarian relief.

This year's weeklong celebration, themed Buff & Bloom: For Good, is set for April 6-11 and will incorporate a philanthropic campaign benefiting World Central Kitchen (WCK), the nonprofit founded by José Andrés that provides meals and water to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict. Andrés also foundedGW's Global Food Institute (GFI) in 2023.

The Division for Student Affairs' Buff and Bloom Week has long been a springtime tradition at GW, bringing students together for campus beautification projects, community events and celebrations of GW culture.

This year's expanded initiative will channel that same spirit toward addressing food insecurity and humanitarian response worldwide.

"Buff & Bloom: For Good is a reflection of the GW community's limitless passion for making impactful change where it matters most," said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Colette Coleman. "Not only am I immensely proud of the way our student body has rallied behind this initiative, but I am inspired by our students' genuine drive to do good."

Throughout the week, student organizations and campus partners will host events that help raise funds for the campaign. Participating student groups will have the opportunity to take part in a giving challenge, with a variety of ways to contribute-including donating a portion of event ticket sales, requiring a donation for entry or encouraging supporters to give through unique organization-specific donation codes.

Students can expect to see familiar springtime programming like the 45th-annual Chalk-In on April 8 in Potomac Square, along with a wide variety of student-driven events. The week will culminate with the Spring Fling, the annual concert organized by the GW Program

Board. Scheduled for Saturday, April 11, this year's event will feature an outdoor festival-style lineup with performances by local artists and a headlining act by rapper and singer-songwriter Flo Milli.

All proceeds from Spring Fling ticket sales will be donated to World Central Kitchen as part of the Buff & Bloom: For Good initiative.

"The George Washington University community continues to show what's possible when passionate students, faculty, staff, and alumni rally around a shared mission," said Matt Tripsas, director of community fundraising at WCK. "Buff and Bloom: For Good! is a powerful example of that spirit in action. Their energy and generosity help World Central Kitchen continue showing up with fresh meals for people in moments of crisis."

Campus partners such as the Global Food Institute, Advancement/Alumni Relations and the Office of the President will all play a role in turning the annual week of energy and fun into real impact. Buff & Bloom Week also coincides with GW's annual Giving Day, further expanding opportunities for the university community to contribute to the campaign.

A full schedule of events will be available at the Buff & Bloom Week website as programming is finalized. Donations to the initiative, benefitting WCK can be made on the Buff & Bloom: For Good giving page.