The Journal

Issue date: 4/7/05 Section: Culture

Media Credit: KATIE WINDMANN / The Journal Todd Ross of the Residential Housing Association shares his "Back to the Future" knowledge and memorabilia, like his model DeLorean, April 3.

Senior Todd Ross is what some consider to be a fan of "Back to the Future." He has movie posters, a replica color-changing hat and a wealth of "Back to the Future" knowledge.

RHA hosted a "Back to the Future" party April 3 where approximately 60 attendees left with "Back to the Future" trivia as well as knowledge on Parkinson's disease.

Everyone who visited the Webster Village Apartments Clubhouse got one free raffle ticket, but could purchase more, for a chance to win a DVD boxed trilogy of the movie. Each additional ticket was $1, six tickets could be bought for $5 and 12 tickets for $10.

Raffle proceeds and donations will go to the Michael J. Fox foundation, which has been working to find the cure for Parkinson's disease. Fox had an early on-set of Parkinson's in the early '90s, which he kept quiet until 1998, Ross said.

Senior Thorsten Rogner, an international relations major, won the raffle.

Ross said he had always wanted to raise money for the foundation, but knew that college students didn't have a lot to spend. He decided to combine ideas and host a party.

Movie memorabilia like an original poster from the 1984 release and a Huey Lewis and the News poster, similar to Marty McFly's, were on display, as was a model DeLorean, the hat and copies of newspapers in the movies.

"This is only a tenth of what I have," Ross said.

"Back to the Future"-themed food like a cake decorated similar to McFly's uncle's release from prison and the same peanut brittle brand George McFly's father was eating at the beginning of the movie, were served.

Ross had two failed attempts at bringing in movie bonuses like Huey Lewis and a replica of the DeLorean.

"A St. Louis connection to the movie is the neighborhood where McFly lived," Ross said. "Lion's Estate was a reference to the Lions guarding The Loop in University City where writer/producer Bob Gale lived."

He originally wanted to show the complete trilogy, but time and Gorlok Television's rights to air the movie, diminished his idea.

Freshman Beth Blumfelder, a history major and interim vice president for RHA, helped Ross plan the event.

"I think it was a huge success," Blumfelder said. "But I am only judging it off of Todd's reaction at the end of the movie. It was sort of his going away party."

While the event collected $105, donations will be accepted until the end of the week. Call ext. 2773 for more information.

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