Alpha Phi Philanthropy Week

Philanthropy Week (Feb. 4 to Feb. 10) was hosted by Alpha Phi to spread awareness of women’s heart health. They kicked off their week with Rock n’ Jock on Feb. 4.

The events were open to all students, but donations were required in order to participate. All activities were related to heart health, and all donations went to organizations focused on women’s heart health.

“Every year we have similar events, and this year I brought some of them back including a new event,” said Georgia Santiago, Vice President of Community Relations.

In the past, the events throughout the week led to Alpha Phi’s main event, the Red Dress Gala. However, instead of a traditional gala, Santiago introduced the Red Dress Luncheon this year, which included family members and alumni.

Sage Keyner, Director of Philanthropy, wants people to know how important it is to support philanthropies as she is doing so with this being her first year in Alpha Phi.

“We like to show our community ways to make a difference. It’s inspiring to see how many people you can gather around within the community to raise awareness,” said Keyner.

Making a difference is what attracts many students to join Alpha Phi.

“I was drawn to the chapter and wanted to be as passionate as the girls were to the philanthropy,” said second-year student, Melyssa Gonzales. “Last year was my first year in Alpha Phi, so the philanthropy was so new to me. This year, I involved myself more and became a member on the executive board because I know everything about it.”

On Feb. 6, students could place a heart-shaped Post-It note on the red dress board to signify who their heart beats for. Many students, both male and female, wrote the name of their mother because the activity focused on women’s health.

On Feb. 7, students could show appreciation to women by writing a motivational quote on a box of Sweethearts, which later were distributed across campus to women.

One of the quotes read, “She believed she could, so she did.”

Being involved in these events has informed students on the primary focuses of the philanthropy.

“The whole week has been fun, but what stands out the most is the interaction with the community. We wanted people to really know what women’s heart health meant,” said third-year student, Aylin Marquez.

On Feb. 8, the Heart Throb Pageant event included the fraternity chapters. For some of the students, it was their first time knowing what women’s heart health meant.

“I’m an exchange student from London, so it’s all a new experience for me. Back home, we don’t have fraternities or sororities in organizations. Being involved gave me the opportunity to understand the philanthropy and it has been fun,” said Reice Madison, a Kappa Sigma member.

It was a successful week for the sisters, ending their Philanthropy Week with the Red Dress Luncheon.

“We promoted our philanthropy, raised money, and spread awareness. I am so proud of Georgia and my sisters for introducing this new event. The amount of alumni’s attending and the support we have received from the community has been amazing,” said Jordan Boom, Chapter President of Alpha Phi.

The donations continued at the event as they planned games and raffles for the guests.

Alpha Phi will be hosting academic programs in the spring with a guest speaker. The programs will be open to all students on campus.