Linus

There’s no question about it—The Linus Foundation is really good at two things: planning parties and giving money to children’s charities.

Founded in 2005 by then-seniors Jeff Bruening, Jon Dembling, Eric Kuhn and Josh Mandel-Brehm, the Linus Foundation plans bi-annual, relatively swanky functions that have become popular among Wash. U. students for good music and an open bar. The organization has grown nationally, expanding into nine cities and serving a host of children’s charities. At Wash. U., the parties have become more popular every year, with more than 600 students attending the most recent event.

“It’s really pretty simple—it’s a group of kids partying for a cause and donating money for something that will enhance the community,” said senior Alex Greenberg, this year’s St. Louis branch president.

Ultimately, Linus won our staff vote because of the strides it has taken to integrate itself into the local community. This fall’s charity, Books and Basketball, was founded by current Wash. U. senior Paul Johannet and sends Wash. U. volunteers to tutor and participate in gym activities at three elementary schools in St. Louis.

Though the event is pricey—$50 at the door this year—the foundation is able to donate upwards of $7,000 from each event to charity through careful resource allocation. The foundation’s first national initiative, Night Night Linus, raised more than $26,000 in 10 local communities this year, donating more than 1,300 care packages to homeless children nationwide.

Editor’s Note: Alex Greenberg is a Student Life columnist.