Offices on campus offer ways for students to save money. Photos & Story | Kaitlyn Seiwert
also hair salons, other community businesses, Hutch News, [and the] HutchCC campus bookstore.” Businesses such as Bogey’s, Midway Motors, Chick-fil-a, INeeda Cleaners, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, and Absolutely Flowers are a few of the businesses who offer discounts year-round for cardholders. “[The] card is not limited to one use per vendor. It can be used multiple times throughout the course of a year,” said Keast. Over the years, the discount card has been a big hit to all ages, not just students. “We average selling 1000 to 1200 cards to alumni, friends, students, and businesses. Anybody can purchase this card,” said Keast. Keast encouraged students, alumni, staff and friends of the college to purchase the card yearly to take advantage of all the discounts it has to offer. “It is good from August 1 to July 31 of the following year,” said Keast. The card’s constant year-round savings has been a benefit to cardholders for at least 35 years according
to Keast. The college’s Alumni and Friends organization, located in the endowment office, provides multiple resources and activities for HutchCC students. The purchase of a Blue Dragon discount card does a lot more than getting it’s cardholders a good deal on fries at Bogey’s. “The support it provides the Hutchinson Community College students is an excellent reason to purchase one,” said Keast. At just $15, the card can be purchased in the Endowment office, campus bookstore, any First National Bank in town or Brown Shoe Fit. “There are many outstanding places to eat on our card,” Keast said. “Offers made by businesses are up to them.” Some places offer free fries, drink or even a free cookie. Cardholders remembering to use the discount card is the biggest obstacle the Endowment foundation faces. “Don’t leave them in your wallets. Take them out and use them. They really will produce a huge amount of savings,” Keast said.
Students living on a budget are constantly looking for ways to save money. However, many students do not know of the savings offered by campus offices. Cindy Keast, Endowment Director, heads the endowment’s attempts at saving students money. “The Blue Dragon discount card is a collection of businesses and vendors in Hutchinson (and surrounding areas). We have approximately 77 vendors. In past years we have had up to 90,” said Keast. “It’s not just restaurants on the card. There are
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