Greek Life works to benefit the community
Published Aug. 28, 2009
Every Greek council at MU is continuing a string of philanthropic events to benefit charities and some Columbia residents.
Last year's Greek Week raised $112,000, Interfraternity Council President Danny Jonas said. He said serving the community is one way Greek life develops better men and women.
"Community service is important because we're working for the benefit of others," Jonas said. "People aren't just looking out for themselves; they're looking out for their community."
The National Pan-Hellenic Council has a newfound excitement and motivation, President Derrick Christian said.
NPHC will continue tutoring for elementary school students, Christian said. The tutoring, which takes place at Friendship Baptist Church in Columbia, occurs every Monday for an hour.
"If we're not giving back, we're not doing what we're supposed to be doing as an organization," Christian said. "Community service is something we should be doing individually and collectively."
Alpha Gamma Rho President Bryant Kagay said his fraternity will be hosting their annual Philanthropy Feud in April to benefit The Shelter, a facility which aids victims of domestic violence.
Philanthropy Feud includes several competitions between sororities and a game show similar to the television show "Family Feud."
Helping out The Shelter benefits the immediate community, Kagay said.
"We feel it helps the community directly as opposed to others where you don't see the result in your community" Kagay said. "It's more than just raising money, we go there and help them."
Sororities in the Multicultural Greek Council and the Panhellenic Association will also host events that spread awareness of and fight against domestic violence.
On Sept. 8, Alpha Phi Gamma along with the McCambridge Center, a residential counseling facility for women, and the Family Counseling Center will present an art reception featuring the "Communal Nest."
At the reception, women who are victims of domestic abuse will construct glass twigs and add them to the "Communal Nest." The nest will travel across the country with creator and glass artist Susan Taylor-Glasgow as a symbolic representation of each of their stories, Alpha Phi Gamma President Kim Mosberger said.
"A lot of people who are domestic abuse victims don't even realize that it's domestic abuse or they're scared or they don't want to admit it," Mosberger said.
Twelve other Midwest artists will participate in a live auction of their work from which Alpha Phi Gamma hopes to give a sizable donation to the McCambridge Center.
Sorority Phi Mu will continue raising money for the Children's Miracle Network, External Director of Philanthropy Melanie Stelzer said.
Along with volunteering twice a month at the children hospital in Columbia, Phi Mu will host "Gaming Towards a Miracle," a video game competition where players compete in various games.
Stelzer said volunteering was the primary reason she got involved in Greek life and Phi Mu President Katie Olson said giving back is of the utmost importance.
"No matter the philanthropy or the Greek chapter, it's really important that people are encouraged to get involved and participate," Olson said.