It’s important for businesspeople to be involved in the community, says Michael Ruffolo, president of the Odette MBA Society.

That’s why the Class of 2016 is supporting the Hats on for Healthcare campaign of the Windsor/Essex Hospitals Foundation. The fundraiser will benefit the renal dialysis program at Windsor Regional Hospital’s Ouellette campus.

“We’re extremely excited to raise money for a great local cause,” Ruffolo says. “We’re hoping to raise a great amount of donations with amazing participation already from students and even faculty who have committed to matching donations.”

The society has teamed with the undergraduate Commerce Society to solicit contributions, with several aspects to the effort.

Professors who have committed to participate have their photos on a series of donation jars. Students are filling the jars and the instructor attracting the greatest total will wear a silly hat through a designated day.

“One of the ways we can make an impact is to get faculty, students and staff engaged,” says Ruffolo. “This silly hat challenge can really inspire some interest.”

A raffle February 11 offers prizes that include a Nintendo 3DS handheld game system, and two pairs of tickets to Joe Louis Arena to watch the Detroit Red Wings.

A photo booth in the main lobby of the Odette Building, February 9 to 11, will give donors a chance to put on hats and pose with friends.