37 fraternities and sororities at the University of Michigan raised $120,000 in funding to support children with autism.
The funds were raised during “Winterfest,” an annual philanthropy event including a day-long broom ball tournament, planned primarily by the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and hosted at Pi Kappa Alpha.
Most of the funds were raised through an online competitive fundraising campaign and team tournament participation fees. The funds will be donated to the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), which will use them to purchase life-saving devices for children at risk of wandering off.
“Every year I am humbled by the passion and commitment of these incredible young men from the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, who have devoted months of time, resources, team work and enthusiasm to raise funds for families impacted by autism,” Colleen Allen, Ph.D., president and CEO of AAoM, said in a statement.
“They are raising awareness of autism and fundraising at the same time. It is the best demonstration of what can be accomplished when the efforts of this segment of university life are directed to positive, charitable activities.”
The funds raised at “Winterfest” this year exceeded fundraising in previous years. According to fraternity’s event coordinator, Connor Roach, the national record for an on-campus fundraiser is $130,000.
“We have every intention of exceeding that goal next year,” Roach added.
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