An unexpected May blizzard made for a change of plans for Putnam Hall’s annual Lovestock event.

The carnival-like gathering featuring grill food and pizza, games, silent auctions and loud music gave something of its own, but perhaps a more welcome gift than six inches of snow.

All of the money made at the event was sent to the Bolton Refuge House, a safe space for individuals in Eau Claire who have been victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.

While the weather pushed the event from the Putnam Hall lawn into Zorn Arena and dropped some attendance numbers, Putnam Hall resident and Lovestock coordinator Kendall Henderis said the event was still a success.

“We’re still really excited about the amount we’re going to be able to donate to them,” Henderis said. “Obviously every amount is going to  be helpful to them so we’re excited we were able to put this on at all.”

One of the big attractions to the event is the live music. The basketball court in Zorn Arena was transformed into a stage for local musicians. Seven different bands displayed their talents at the event. All seven bands got in on the charity action as well as they took financial cuts and played for free at the event.

“(The music is) totally for people to enjoy,” Lovestock co-coordinator  Zach Doherty said. “We don’t pay the bands, so props to all of them.”

Junior Stephen Kahlow took advantage of the indoor location, as he cited having class right across the street in Hibbard Hall helped him take those few steps to Zorn Arena. This was the first time Kahlow attended Lovestock, and one particular event made his afternoon worthwhile.

“I was mostly just watching the RAs getting pied in the face,” Kahlow said. “I’m good friends with a few of the RAs, so that was nice.”

While it was literally all fun and games as the event had carnival-themed games set up inside Zorn Arena Friday afternoon, Henderis said a lot of work was put into coordinating the event.  She said it took about eight months to prepare, and while they were unpaid, they all got 15 hours worth of service learning time.

She said one of the big things they do in preparation is contact local businesses to help them fund the event.

“We’ll send out letters requesting a donation, either monetary or raffle prizes,” Henderis said. “We were really excited to get as many donations as we did.”

Raffle prizes included free passes to this summer’s Country Jam as well as free memberships to Anytime Fitness.

The proceeds of the event were donated to the Bolton Refuge House earlier this week, and despite the sudden change in location, Henderis and Kahlow agreed the event was a success in both money raised and fun.

Mother Nature altered the plans of a lot of things late last week, but not enough to alter the success and perception of Lovestock.